Press release from the Victorian Minister for Innovation
The latest world-wide box office hit to be filmed in Victoria, Warner Bros’s Where the Wild Things Are, has made a triumphant return to its birthplace after delighting cinema audiences across the United States.
Minister for Innovation Gavin Jennings said the adaption of the classic Maurice Sendak children’s story was supported by the Brumby Labor Government through Film Victoria and filmed over four months at Melbourne Central City Studios and across 11 Victorian locations including Discovery Bay, Gembrook and Williamstown.
“The success of Where the Wild Things Are has once again demonstrated that Victoria is a world-leading film production destination,” Mr Jennings said.
“This box office smash directly invested more than $57 million into our State’s economy and created more than 670 jobs for Victorians.
“The story’s enchanting landscape and spectacular settings truly drive this tale, so the creators travelled the world for 18 months to source the perfect location.
“Victoria managed to secure the deal ahead of Argentina, New Zealand, California and Hawaii thanks to our diverse locations, offering forests, oceans, quarries, cliff tops and mountains which are all a short drive from Melbourne and each other.
“In fact, Victoria was the only location that could offer the complete package – world-class sound studios, skilled crews, film-friendly councils, competitive incentives, and Melbourne’s famous relaxed-yet-cosmopolitan lifestyle for the cast and crew to enjoy.
“The Brumby Labor Government has identified the screen industry as a major economic driver to the state and our new strategy Our Vision on Screen outlines initiatives worth $178 million over five years to drive the industry’s growth, including production attraction programs to attract high-calibre films such as this.”
Where the Wild Things Are triumphed at the US box office, taking more than US$73 million to-date, with Australian audiences expected to flock to cinemas with the film’s national release on 3 December.
“From the pristine sand dunes of Discovery Bay and the striking forest setting of Gilwell Park in Gembrook, to the spectacular rock formations at Mt Arapiles and the suburban streets of Williamstown and Newport, Victorians are sure to enjoy watching their home town shine on screen,” Mr Jennings said.
The film is an adaptation of the classic Maurice Sendak story about a mischievous young boy called Max, who creates his own magical world inhabited by wild creatures who crown him their ruler.