US TV pilot creates 100 jobs for Victoria
The production of an American TV pilot being filmed in rural Victoria is estimated to spend $6m and create about 100 jobs, it has been announced.
Frontier, a pilot about the move to the west coast of America, is currently being shot in the towns of Thornton, Alexandra and Mansfield, produced by Shaun Cassidy, producer of Cold Case and directed by The West Wing’s Thomas Schlamme.
Louise Asher, minister for innovation, services and small business made the announcement about the production, by US-based Sony Pictures Television.
Asher said: “Attracting international projects like Frontier generates significant job opportunities and economic benefits for Victoria.”
The production was supported through Film Victoria’s Production Investment Attraction Fun and Region Location Assistance Fund.
Jenni Tosi, Film Victoria’s CEO said: “Due to the timing of pilot season in the US, Sony Pictures Television was attracted to the prospect of shooting the pilot episode of Frontier in the area.”
“Film Victoria was very quick to respond and offer the right mix of incentives, locations advice and production services to convince the filmmakers they could make this drama pilot here in Victoria.”
Cassidy said the production’s technical, location and crew needs were well met by the state film agency. “The support and services we have received from Film Victoria have been outstanding, as has the crew and Victoria’s exceptional facilities.”
Cassidy added Victoria provided the perfect backdrop to the Western story.
Tosi continued: “Productions like these also give local crew and technicians the opportunity to gain experience on international projects, which boosts their skills and experience and the industry’s skills base overall.”
Cindy McLeish, member for Seymour, the state seat where the production is being shot said: “Our rivers, rolling hills, grazing country, and access to alpine national parks provided the look the producers want to replicate. The region’s small businesses and communities have also benefitted from the flow-on effects of this production being filmed here.”
Sorry I don’t buy this on face value. Australian production crews have as much experience as any in the world, and far more when it comes to filming in Australian conditions. Don’t ever forget the great Geoffrey Unsworth, who once advised another British DP who was about to shoot here ” Just remember, the whole country is two stops over exposed ” I don’t bash overseas productions, but I hate to read a contemporary Australian report that suggests they have so much to teach us about international production and how 100 jobs (which I presume includes extras and day workers etc) is somehow a boon to our industry. Whatever we gain from the exercise, I am sure that the US or whichever country is involved gains much more.
Maybe they get the rolling hills and valleys of Victoria cheaper than hills and valleys elsewhere, or maybe its cheaper all round to shoot here, where union rules are softer and local people are cheap to employ. Maybe not is also a possibility, but I have never seen proof of this.
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