Press release from Victorian Government
Another multi-million dollar Hollywood blockbuster is to be filmed in Melbourne with Miramax Films agreeing to locate the horror/thriller Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark at the Melbourne City Central Studios, creating more than 500 jobs.
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the deal to film the US project in Melbourne, brokered by the Brumby Government’s screen agency Film Victoria, is expected to boost Victoria’s economy, create more than 500 full-time equivalent jobs and further cement the international reputation of Victoria’s dynamic film industry.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to attract major international films to Melbourne, boosting the local film industry and creating hundreds of jobs,” Mr Jennings said.
“This is great news for the Victorian film industry. Once again the Brumby Government’s decision to facilitate the creation of Melbourne City Central Studios in 2004 is paying off handsomely.
“To date, movies filmed at the studios have injected more than $460 million into the Victorian economy and over 7000 jobs. This movie will be another significant economic boost for Victoria.’’
He said he could not confirm reports that Katie Holmes would be travelling to Melbourne to star in the movie.
Produced by Mark Johnson (Chronicles of Narnia) and Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy I & II and Pan’s Labyrinth), the project will be the first time major Hollywood players Miramax Films have shot a movie in Australia.
Filming of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is expected to begin within the next few months, taking advantage of Melbourne’s dramatic winter. It will use Melbourne City Central Studios as well as other locations around the city.
Based on a popular 1970s classic horror/ thriller telemovie, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is the story of a young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend, only to discover there are sinister creatures living beneath the stairs.
Del Toro has adapted the original screenplay for feature-length production with his writing partner Matthew Robbins, who wrote the screenplay for the movie MIMIC. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark will be the directorial debut for Del Toro’s protégé Troy Nixey.
CEO of Film Victoria Sandra Sdraulig said Melbourne was a natural choice for this project because of the Melbourne Central City Studios’ facilities, locations and highly trained crews.
“Importantly, this movie will provide some remarkable opportunities for Victorian technical crews to hone their craft while working with the best in the business,” she said.
“Securing the all-star production of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, further cements Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s film friendly state, which offers diverse locations, a great lifestyle for overseas cast and crew, and attractive incentives for international productions.”