The Victorian Government has attracted production of another highly anticipated international feature film, showcasing the state’s exceptional facilities and destinations while bringing jobs to Victoria’s creative industry.
Amazon Studios’ epic production Foe has recently begun filming in the state, with locations to include Winton Wetlands in north east Victoria and Docklands Studios Melbourne. The star-studded cast includes Saoirse Ronan (Little Women, Brooklyn), Paul Mescal (Normal People) and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad).
Attracted to the state through the Victorian Screen Incentive and the Regional Location Assistance Fund, Foe will inject up to $32 million into the Victorian economy and create 950 jobs for Victorian cast and crew – including four leading Head of Department roles.
The sci-fi psychological thriller will be directed by Victorian filmmaker Garth Davis, best known for his Academy Award nominated film Lion. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Ian Reid, who is a co-writer of the adaptation alongside Davis.
“I am very proud to be making Foe in my home state of Victoria, particularly on Yorta Yorta country in the amazing Winton Wetlands, which is one of our key locations,” said Director and co-writer Garth Davis. “I am incredibly grateful for the support of both the Victorian Government and the Federal Government which have made this possible.”
Producers on the project include Kerry Kohansky-Roberts on behalf of AC Studios, Garth Davis for I Am That, and Emile Sherman and Iain Canning for See-Saw Films. Executive producers include Ian Reid, and I Am That’s Samantha Lang. Libby Sharpe will co-produce for I Am That and See-Saw Films.
Foe will engage over 500 local businesses from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including construction companies and caterers.
Through Film Victoria’s skills development program, the Government is supporting placements for three local practitioners to hone their specialist skills while working on the production – director Michael Hudson, costume buyer Ellen Stainstreet and set decorator Tom Herbert.
Foe follows other epic productions like Better Man starring Robbie Williams and Blacklight starring Liam Neeson, choosing to film in Victoria. It is supported as part of Victorian Government’s $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy.
“The production of Foe is another way the Victorian film industry is being showcased to the world, bringing our exceptional industry professionals together with some of the best international talent,” said Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson.
“We’re attracting major international productions and expanding our screen production capabilities to grow our economy, create local jobs and further assert Victoria’s position as a global screen powerhouse.”
Activity in the Victorian film industry is at record levels, with more than $391 million channeled into production expenditure in 2020/21. For more information, visit: www.film.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Foe stars Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal, Aaron Pierre with Director Garth Davis (sourced)