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Victoria will soon be home to the new Robbie Williams biopic Better Man when it begins shooting early next year, generating thousands of opportunities for local creatives in the process.
Better Man - which is said to be one of the largest movies ever to be filmed in Victoria - will shoot at Docklands Studios Melbourne, and is backed by both the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.
The State Government says the production will create around 2,200 local jobs, including 14 heads of departments, 80 visual effects practitioners and 220 crew.
In addition, there will be more than 2,700 extras needed, and work will be created for an estimated 300 local businesses and service providers.
Directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Michael Gracey, Better Man will offer an introspective look into the experiences that shaped the pop star who got his start in boyband Take That.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said the film will build on other internationally acclaimed productions in the state.
“Victoria has a long history of celebrated contributions to the global film industry and Better Man will further showcase our world-class talent, crew and locations,” Pearson said.
“Supported as part of our VICSCREEN strategy, this project will create thousands of jobs for Victorians while delivering economic benefits right across the state.”
Commonwealth Minister for Arts Paul Fletcher said the production cements Victoria’s reputation as a filmmaking hub.
“The decision to film Better Man in Victoria is a great testament to the enduring status of Australia as a destination for large scale film productions as a result of our talented creatives, skilled crews and exceptional facilities - supported by the Morrison Government’s attractive financial support for the film industry – including the 40 per cent Producer Offset for Australian feature films,” Fletcher said.
Off the back of international successes including Clickbait and La Brea, Better Man was attracted through the new Victorian Screen Incentive and will reinforce the state’s position in the industry.
Better Man director Michael Gracey said Melbourne was the perfect place to make the film.
“To tell Robbie William’s beautiful, distinct story, back home, in my own city, is a dream come true,” Gracey said.
“There is a creative energy that burns across the Melbourne film industry, and I know this movie will thrive here.”
The star the movie is based on, Robbie Williams, said filming in Melbourne was an ideal location.
"I'm so excited I am making this movie in Victoria with my friend Michael Gracey,” Williams said.
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