25 January 2010 VICTORIA AN ELITE STATE FOR PRODUCTION

25 January 2010

Film Victoria CEO Sandra Sdraulig is pleased to confirm that the Australian action thriller THE KILLER ELITE (working title) will be made in Victoria this year.

The feature film, which will complete pre-production, filming and post-production in Melbourne, was attracted to the state by Film Victoria’s Production Investment Attraction Fund (PIAF) and Regional Location Assistance Fund (RLAF).

The feature film, to be produced by Australian company Omnilab Media through its production arm Ambience Entertainment, will be directed by Gary McKendry (Everything in This Country Must) and stars Jason Statham (The Bank Job, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels).

“I am so pleased that Victoria will be home to yet another quality Australian production. It’s a credit to our fantastic local screen industry that productions choose Victoria as their destination of choice despite strong competition interstate and internationally,” said Ms Sdraulig.

“Importantly, THE KILLER ELITE provides an opportunity for Victorian crews to work on a high-budget feature film and further develop their skills. This experience and knowledge will in turn increase the capabilities of the local industry.”
THE KILLER ELITE follows the activities of two secret organisations: The Clinic, consisting of three contract killers, and The Feather Men, an underground group of vigilante killers who protect former and present members of the Special Air Service (SAS) and their families. It is based on the book The Feather Men, by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Exact locations are still to be decided, but the production will film in both metropolitan and regional areas. Pre-production on THE KILLER ELITE is slated for February with filming planned to commence in April.
The production will also take advantage of our award-winning post-production, digital and visual effects services, using Omnilab media-owned local post-production companies Digital Pictures and Iloura.

“One of Victoria’s biggest strengths is its diverse range of locations, so many of which are in close proximity to the city,” continued Sandra Sdraulig.

“But that’s only one element of our production attraction package, which includes promoting our world-class crew and facilities, financial incentives, fantastic support services, film-friendly metropolitan and regional councils and of course, our fantastic lifestyle.”