Brie Larson’s latest feature, “Skeletons,” has wrapped production in Victoria after filming across Melbourne and regional parts of the state.
The psychological thriller, directed by Strange Darling filmmaker JT Mollner and produced by J.J. Abrams, is the first film to shoot at The Studio Forest Hill, the newly reactivated Nunawading facility formerly home to long-running Australian soap “Neighbours.” Production also took place across Melbourne and locations including the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and Werribee.
Larson leads the international cast alongside Kyle Gallner, Daithí Ó hAragáin, John Goodman, Keith Carradine, Ione Skye and Willa Fitzgerald.
Based on Philip Fracassi’s short story “Fail-Safe,” “Skeletons” centres on a young boy who begins to suspect his parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature. Brian Duffield wrote the screenplay, with revisions by Mollner.
The production generated an estimated 635 jobs for Victorian cast and crew, including 14 heads of department and 50 post-production and visual effects positions. It also injected more than $21.5 million into the state economy and engaged around 300 local businesses. Post-production and visual effects will remain in Victoria, while the film has also helped spur the establishment of Chroma Film Lab, a new film development laboratory in Brunswick East.
Mollner praised the local production team for helping deliver the film despite an ambitious schedule and difficult winter conditions. “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.”
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“Skeletons” is produced by FilmNation Entertainment label Infrared, Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and Assemble Media. Abrams, Jon Cohen, Jack Heller and Drew Simon serve as producers, with Biancacci and Paul Currie producing locally.
Victorian 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.”
The film was secured by VicScreen through the Victorian Screen Incentive and is also accessing the Australian Government’s Location Offset.
“Skeletons” joins a run of productions filming or recently completed in Victoria, including “Wentworth: Halfway Home,” “Crime Casters,” “Fog City,” “Written in the Stars” and “Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel.”