Mon, 13 Sep 2021 - 08:54
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Beloved Woody Woodpecker sequel filming in Victoria

The Morrison Government’s Location Incentive program continues to boost the Australian economy, with the latest investment of $2.7 million going to the production of the sequel to the highly successful family comedy, Woody Woodpecker.

 

From Universal 1440 Entertainment, a production arm of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, the next chapter in the Woody Woodpecker movie franchise brings back the world famous woodpecker’s signature laugh, wacky antics and wisecracks.

 

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the production is injecting more than $20 million into the Australian economy.

 

“The Woody Woodpecker sequel is providing employment for more than 700 Australian cast and crew, and more than 300 Australian extras,” Minister Fletcher said.

 

“This production is going to providing significant training opportunities for aspiring Aussie directors, technical crew and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) professionals. Australia’s rising industry talent will gain invaluable experience on this CGI animated and live action hybrid production, elevating the local sector and helping to grow and enhance our screen industry.”

 

To date, the Morrison Government has distributed more than $246 million under the Location Incentive program to attract 25 international productions to Australia, generating more than $1.9 billion in private investment, providing more than 16,800 employment opportunities for local cast and crew, and creating work for over 15,500 businesses that support these big productions.

 

Filming in Melbourne and across regional areas of Victoria, the production is also funded by the Victorian Government via Film Victoria’s Victorian Screen Incentive.

 

Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said Woody Woodpecker will showcase Victorian talent and share Victoria’s stunning locations with audiences around the world. 

 

“We are delighted to have been working with the Woody Woodpecker production team in Melbourne. The production is injecting over $11 million directly into the Victorian economy while providing jobs for our skilled screen practitioners, training opportunities for the next generation and stimulus for local businesses across the state.” 

  

“Victoria’s natural landscapes can double as almost anywhere in the world and this provides a lucrative opportunity for our regional communities.”

 

General Manager and Executive Vice President of Universal 1440 Entertainment, Glenn Ross said: “Australia has great locations, skilled crews, world-class talent, and state of the art facilities.”

 

“We’re thrilled the Australian Government has selected the next chapter of the Woody Woodpecker movie franchise for their Location Incentive program.”

 

The production is strictly adhering to the screen industry’s best-practice COVID-Safe Guidelines and all government protocols relating to COVID-19.