by FilmInk Staff
Skeletons, a new feature film starring Academy Award® winner Brie Larson, has wrapped filming across Victoria, including at the former home of Neighbours.
From producer J.J. Abrams and director JT Mollner, the production created an estimated 635 jobs for local cast and crew including 14 Heads of Department, and 50 post-production and visual effects roles, providing valuable employment and development opportunities for Victorians.
Injecting more than $21.5 million into the state’s economy, the project engaged an around 300 local businesses, from specialist screen businesses to medical facilities, accommodation providers and catering.
Skeletons is the first film to utilise the reactivated Nunawading studios, formerly the home of Neighbours and now known as The Studio Forest Hill. The production also filmed on location in and around Melbourne as well as regional Victoria, including the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and Werribee.
Post-production and visual effects work will also take place in Victoria, with the project also being the catalyst for the establishment of Chroma Film Lab, a new film development laboratory based in Brunswick East.
Brie Larson (Room) leads an impressive international cast including Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling), emerging Irish talent Daithí Ó hAragáin (Trespasses, Say Nothing), John Goodman (The Big Lebowski, 10 Cloverfield Lane), Keith Carradine (Nashville and The Long Riders), Sydney based Ione Skye (Say Anything, Anaconda) and Willa Fitzgerald (Regretting You, A House of Dynamite).
Skeletons follows a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
Directed by JT Mollner (Strange Darling, Outlaws and Angels) and written by Brian Duffield with revisions by JT Mollner, the film is based off the short story ‘Fail-Safe’ by Philip Fracassi.
The project is being produced by FilmNation Entertainment’s production label Infrared, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, and Assemble Media. Producer credits include J.J. Abrams, Jon Cohen, Jack Heller and Drew Simon, with executive producers Caitlin De Lisser-Ellen, Brian Duffield, Philip Fracassi, Brie Larson, Roy Lee and Steven Schneider, alongside Victorian producers Paul Currie (Hacksaw Ridge, Better Man, Empire City) and Mario Biancacci (Ricky Stanicky, Better Man, I Play Rocky).
Skeletons joins a slate of projects currently filming or recently completed in Victoria, including Wentworth: Halfway Home, Crime Casters, Fog City, Written in the Stars and Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel.
The production was secured by VicScreen through the Victorian Screen Incentive and is also accessing the Australian Government’s Location Offset.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said, “Skeletons is proof that when Hollywood comes knocking, Victoria delivers – world-class crews, stunning locations and studios ready for the world’s biggest stories.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “Victoria is a global screen powerhouse, known for its highly skilled crews, diverse locations, world‑class facilities, and exceptional creative talent. Industry leaders like Mario Biancacci and Paul Currie are bringing major productions to the state, creating new opportunities for local screen workers while supporting hundreds of Victorian businesses.”
Kate Marks, Ausfilm CEO: “It’s great to see the combined support of the Australian and Victorian Governments along with our creative sector working to bring productions like this to our shores. This sends a strong message to the global industry and reinforces Australia’s reputation as a leading production destination.”
Director JT Mollner said, “The local crew in Victoria has exceeded every expectation. Our approach is ambitious, bold and visually distinctive. We are shooting on film, managing a daunting schedule, and tackling the limitations of winter weather, but our local partners have helped turn every challenge into a benefit by demonstrating an unflinching dedication to cinema. It’s been inspiring to work with a team that understands the vision and brings such passion and expertise to every aspect of production.”
Producer Mario Biancacci said “We love filming in Melbourne, so we’re thrilled to bring this major production to Victoria. JT Mollner is an exciting filmmaking talent, and alongside an exceptional cast, the Victorian crew and locations are proving to be an incredible asset to the production. We can’t wait for audiences around the world to see what this team creates.”
Photo [from left] Producer Mario Biancacci, Caroline Pitcher, Director JT Mollner, MP Vicki Ward, Kate Marks. by Jane Zhang
