Victoria’s reputation as a screen leader has been cemented with new sci-fi action thriller War Machine. The action-packed feature from Lionsgate and Netflix showcases Victoria’s versatile locations, screen-tech capability and exemplary creative talent.
Produced, directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Man From Toronto), War Machine follows the final 24-hours of the world’s toughest selection program, as a team of Army Rangers encounter a threat beyond their imagination.
Reacher star Alan Ritchson (Ordinary Angels, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) plays the lead role, alongside Dennis Quaid (Reagan, Far From Heaven), Stephan James (The Piano Lesson), Jai Courtney (The Suicide Squad) and Esai Morales (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One). The Australian cast includes Blake Richardson (Mystery Road: Origin), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash) and Daniel Webber (The Dirt).
“Since directing my first feature, Red Hill, in High Country, Omeo, back in 2010, I’ve predominantly been working on projects internationally. However, it’s been a lifelong dream to bring Hollywood-style blockbusters home to Australia.
“I am thrilled to finally bring this passion project to life right here and collaborate with an outstanding blend of international talent and our remarkable local cast, crew, and support teams. This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there’s no better place than Victoria to make movies.”
Patrick Hughes, Director, Producer, Co-Writer
War Machine was co-written with James Beaufort (The Hitman’s Bodyguard) and co-produced by Todd Lieberman (Wonder and The Fighter) and Alex Young (Shotgun Wedding), with executive producers Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Jack Irish), Rich Cook, and Valerie Bleth Sharp (Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes).
Filming took place in regional Victoria around the towns of Bright and Myrtleford as well as in Melbourne and at Docklands Studios Melbourne. Victorian screen-tech companies Framestore, Kojo, Fin and XM2 played pivotal roles in the film’s VFX and capturing action drone shots.
“War Machine marks the debut project from Huge Film, a proudly Victoria-based production company founded by Patrick, screenwriter James Beaufort, and myself, with the goal of creating elevated action, thriller and horror stories for global audiences.”
Greg McLean, Executive Producer
War Machine was distributed theatrically in Australia by Roadshow Films and releases internationally by Netflix.
The project has been supported by the Victorian Government through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Incentive and by the Australian Government through the Producer Offset administered by Screen Australia.
To learn more about VicScreen’s leading incentives contact VicScreen’s Head of Incentives, Joe Brinkmann, at joe.brinkmann@vicscreen.vic.gov.au or visit vicscreen.vic.gov.au.
