Major films in town

Two feature films have chosen the backdrop of Geelong and surrounding regions for their respective movies.

Last year’s psychological thriller The Undertow was shot in Geelong and is about to make its world premiere at this year’s Melbourne Film Festival in August.

Director Miranda Nation makes her feature directional debut with this film about grief and obsession, set against the back drop of local footy culture.

Another film The Whistleblower the largest Australian-Chinese official coproduction in Victoria’s history, has commenced filming at Docklands Studios before shooting in and around Geelong and other Victorian locations.

The film is being co-produced by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon producer Bill Kong and Greg Basser (Concussion, Goosebumps).

The Whistleblower is expected to spend more than $40 million in Victoria’s economy, plus create more than 200 job opportunities for local screen workers.

Other locations for the filming include Dandenong, Footscray, Werribee and in the Latrobe Valley at the de-commissioned Hazelwood Power station.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said filming was an exciting opportunity to showcase the many faces of Geelong and surrounding regions to a wide audience.

“Congratulations to Miranda Nation on her directional debut, I know there were a number of City of Greater Geelong departments that enjoyed working with her to scout for locations around our region,” Cr Harwood said.

“The filming of The Whistleblower here is a huge coup for Geelong and Victoria as a whole, with significant economic benefits and tourism opportunities guaranteed.

“We are proud of the fact that Geelong is recognised as a wonderfully diverse region with filming opportunities for a wide range of movie styles. I am looking forward to seeing this international film crew descending on the region.”