Gothic thriller I, Frankenstein to be filmed in Melbourne
A BIG-BUDGET gothic thriller starring Hollywood heartthrob Aaron Eckhart will be filmed in Melbourne.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher announced today Victoria had beaten other Australian states to secure the $37 million feature film I, Frankenstein.
Ms Asher said pre-production, filming and post-production for the feature film would be undertaken in Melbourne.
Exact locations are still being finalised, but the production will be based at Docklands Studios and shoot at several locations around Melbourne.
Pre-production commences soon and filming is scheduled to begin in February 2012.
I, Frankenstein is written and directed by Australian Stuart Beattie (Tomorrow, When the War Began, Australia, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) and will be produced by Hopscotch Features.
The film stars Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Thank You for Smoking) in the title role.
”Securing an Australian production with such a high international profile is a real testament to the strength of the Victorian screen industry and the calibre of the crews, talent, facilities and services available here,” Ms Asher said.
“I, Frankenstein will spend up to $37 million in Victoria and employ around 500 local cast and crew.”
One of the film’s producers, Andrew Mason, said Film Victoria’s production services, location support and advice also played a major role in their decision to film in Melbourne.
“Victoria has an incredible diversity of locations and specialised local crew, and Film Victoria’s services and support are really outstanding. We decided Melbourne was the perfect home for this project,” Mr Mason said.
Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said she was thrilled Melbourne had secured I, Frankenstein.
“Attracting a production of this calibre is great news for the industry. It gives local practitioners a chance to further develop their skills and experience, and builds on our already solid relationship with Australian and US production houses,” Ms Tosi said.
“Our crews, facilities, incentives, film-friendly councils and our film commission services continue to make Melbourne an attractive production destination.”
I, Frankenstein is adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Kevin Grevioux, co- creator of the Underworld film franchise.
Described as a modern-day gothic thriller, the film tells the tale of Dr. Frankenstein’s creature Adam, who centuries after his birth finds himself in a gothic city, caught in a war between two immortal clans.
Source: Herald Sun
