Actors Paul Rudd and Jack Black have begun filming Anaconda, a reimagining of the 1997 adventure-horror film, in Queensland.
The production, which received funding through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, is expected to create more than 300 jobs and inject around $40 million into the local economy.
Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) wrote the script, with Gormican directing. Brad Fuller and Andrew Form are producing.
The original Anaconda film, which stared Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, became a box office smash and cult classic. It followed a documentary film crew in the Amazon rainforest on the trail of a giant green anaconda.
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said Sony Pictures’ decision to film Anaconda in Queensland was a direct result of the Queensland Government’s incentives.
“We are proud to support projects like Anaconda to provide more work for our talented film industry professionals, while showcasing Queensland’s incredible environment and rich culture to the world,” Minister Langbroek said.
The production will also receive the federal government’s 30 per cent Location Offset subsidy, which was increased late last year from 16.5 per cent.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said that the agency was thrilled to welcome the production and the team from Sony Pictures to Queensland.
“With the backing of state and federal incentives, combined with the versatility of our stunning natural environments featuring rainforests in easy reach, Queensland has become a premier destination for high calibre location-based productions like Anaconda,” Feeney said.
Queensland’s tropical locations will double for the Amazon rainforest.
“As well as benefitting from the expertise of our highly skilled local crew, this production will also help build the next generation of below-the-line practitioners through our Attachment Program, with four trainee positions created in the camera and sound departments, as well as greens, the art department extension responsible for creating the Amazonian jungle.”
Andy Davis, president of production administration at Sony Pictures said that Queensland offers a unique combination of natural beauty and world-class facilities.
“The state’s film-friendly environment and experienced local crews provide a seamless and supportive production experience, which is invaluable for bringing this film to life.”
Other films and small screen series recently made in Queensland include Eden, Balls Up, The Bluff, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Australian productions Audrey, Black Snow, Dangerous Animals and Spit.