Australian Screen News Jun 2023: Aerial cinematography magic, Mortal Kombat 2 in QLD, incredible new VFX reels, Location Spotlight: Melbourne

June 2023

G'day Ausfilm friend,

As we settle into the midpoint of the year, we're amazed by the action unfolding in Australia over the past six months! It's been the perfect remedy for those chilly winter nights down here in the southern hemisphere.

In this month's Location Spotlight, we invite you to meet us in Melbourne (Narrm), Victoria, where European charm blends seamlessly with the vibrant tapestry of Aussie life.

Say hello to Gary Hamaguchi, a rising star hailing from Djugun-Yawuru country in Western Australia. This talented writer/director showcases his passion for filmmaking and dedication to representing First Nations narratives.

Get ready for some jaw-dropping VFX! Fin Design + Effects breaks it down with Netflix thriller Extraction 2, Framestore's Josh Simmonds shares insights on Sony Pictures' sci-fi flick 65, and experience Plastic Wax's flawless connection to the Mortal Kombat game, plus AI news from Rising Sun Pictures. Then dive into the magical journey of Animal Logic, captivating audiences for over three decades.

Let's take flight, Aerial Film Australia introduces the Jetshot, Australia's fastest aerial gimbal, and XM2 showcases their groundbreaking stunt capture for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.

We bring you training news from Entertainment Partners Powered by Moneypenny and the latest productions choosing Western Australia, South Australia, and Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland as their filming locations, including Mortal Kombat 2, The Twelve S2 and Stars on Mars.

We have expert travel tips and chats with Show Group and TAG that will elevate your on-location experience.

We're thrilled to bring you this jam-packed newsletter, and we hope you enjoy this journey into the wide world of Australian international screen production.

Best wishes,
The Ausfilm Team

LOCATION SPOTLIGHT

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA; A EUROPEAN CITY DOWNUNDER

Welcome to Melbourne (Narrm), Victoria, where European charm meets the vibrant tapestry of Aussie life. Renowned as Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne offers art, cuisine, and diverse experiences. In this Location Spotlight, we explore Melbourne's appeal as a filming destination, showcasing its stunning streetscapes and versatility doubling as international cities. Discover why Melbourne captivates filmmakers seeking a cosmopolitan setting with a unique European flair.

MEET YOU IN MELBOURNE

FIRST NATIONS SPOTLIGHT

WRITER/DIRECTOR GARY HAMAGUCHI, FROM DJUGUN-YAWURU COUNTRY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Meet Gary Hamaguchi, a talented Japanese/Aboriginal filmmaker from Djugun-Yawuru country in Western Australia. Gary has directed acclaimed dramas, docos, and upcoming projects that shed light on the rich culture and history of his people. Gary's passion for filmmaking and dedication to representing First Nations narratives have made him a rising star in the screen industry.

MEET GARY

VFX AND ANIMATE IT IN AUSTRALIA

A JOURNEY OF MAGIC AND CREATIVITY WITH ANIMAL LOGIC

Animal Logic has captivated audiences with magic for over three decades. Enjoy this virtual stroll through the Animal archives, uncovering hidden gems, well-known projects, and defining milestones shaping Animal Logic from '91 to now!

FIN PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF VFX IN NETFLIX THRILLER, EXTRACTION 2

Check out FIN Design + Effects' incredible VFX on Netflix thriller, Extraction 2. The team created awesome action sequences, a 360° animated city panorama and more. Watch their reel.

FRAMESTORE'S VFX SUP TALKS SPACE, DINOS, AND BRINGING SONY PICTURES' 65 TO LIFE

Framestore's VFX Supervisor, Josh Simmonds shares insights into the process of bringing the key sequences of Sony Pictures' sci-fi survival flick, 65, to life. Hear what Josh had to say.

FLAWLESS VICTORY: PLASTIC WAX’S ETERNAL CONNECTION TO THE MORTAL KOMBAT GAME

Plastic Wax's trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 has been unleashed and it has ignited anticipation worldwide. Experience their dedication to honouring the iconic Fatalities while also revitalising and modernising the narrative.

RISING SUN PICTURES WAS PROUD TO SUPPORT AI ON THE LOT 2023!

RSP supported AI on the Lot 2023, uniting filmmakers, execs, and tech companies exploring AI's influence in Hollywood. RSP's experts shared insights on AI's impact and the future of VFX and animation. Hear it from Jennie and Tony.

SKY HIGH: AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY DOWN UNDER

AFA INTRODUCE JETSHOT, AUSTRALIA'S FASTEST AERIAL GIMBAL

Aerial cinematographic legends, Aerial Film Australia introduce the fastest aerial gimbal in Aus, The Jetshot. AFA takes aerial cinematography to new heights. Come along for the journey!

XM2 MAKES IT POSSIBLE - CAPTURING THE BIGGEST STUNT IN CINEMA HISTORY

XM2 aerial cinematographers achieve groundbreaking stunt capture for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One using advanced drones and a helicopter gimbal. Take a look at the BTS for this exhilarating stunt!

MAKE IT IN AUSTRALIA

ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS POWERED BY MONEYPENNY: TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Entertainment Partners Powered by Moneypenny highlight the importance of training and capacity building, showcasing their successful workplace programs and talent mentoring for industry growth.

MORTAL KOMBAT 2 THE LATEST TO ‘GET OVER HERE!’ TO QUEENSLAND

New Line and Warner Bros. Pictures have chosen Queensland as the filming location for Mortal Kombat 2. Joining the lineup are Apples Never Fall and La Brea S3, further cementing QLD as the go-to place for bringing screen dreams to life.

**SEASON TWO OF THE TWELVE MARKS WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST PRODUCTION**

BINGE and Foxtel have given the green light for S2 of the highly acclaimed series, The Twelve, to be produced in Western Australia. This eight-part crime drama will be the largest production ever filmed in the state.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STUNS AS THE RED PLANET IN STARS ON MARS

South Australia transforms into Mars in the exciting new Fox series, Stars on Mars. Filmed in Coober Pedy, the show features international celebrities experiencing life on the Red Planet. The series has captivated US audiences and received acclaim for its Martian scenery.

HEAD TO MARS

VILLAGE ROADSHOW STUDIOS WELCOMES MORTAL KOMBAT 2 AND APPLES NEVER FALL

Village Roadshow Studios welcomes Mortal Kombat 2 and Apples Never Fall after successful completion of physical production on Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Nautilus, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for blockbuster films and showcasing the thriving film industry in Aus!

EXPLORE THE CINEMATIC WORLD: TRAVEL EXPERT TIPS

ON-LOCATION ACCOM: THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR FILM PRODUCTION WITH SHOW GROUP

Securing suitable on-location accommodations for productions can be challenging, but not for the film travel experts at Show Group. With their extensive knowledge and can-do attitude, travel and accom arrangements have never been simpler. Let Show Group turn your dreams into a reality.

CHECK IT OUT

TAG LAUNCH ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATE TEAM, LED BY INDUSTRY PRO, KERRY LUXFORD

TAG, the award-winning travel management company, has launched a new Entertainment Corporate Team led by industry veteran, Kerry Luxford. Recognising the importance of customised services in production travel, TAG aims to cater to the specific needs of its clients.

MEET KERRY

Join the inaugural Australian Children's Content Summit in Coffs Harbour from August 29 - 31. Connect with international and Australian creatives and industry executives, build relationships, and explore business opportunities in the children's and youth entertainment and media screen sector.
Click the link above to register and discover more about the events on offer.