Archive for category: Acting and Extras Work in Sydney

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings released over the weekend to thousands of eager Marvel fans. The movie has smashed Labor Day weekend records in the US and has already grossed over $140 million at the global box office, incredible after only 4 days of showing.

Due to the current lockdown, Marvel has announced a new September 16 theatrical release for NSW, Victoria and the ACT (put it in the diary!!). In a boost to theatres, they have promised a worldwide 45 day cinema-only release. Many outlets are reporting that the movie will stream from around the 18th of October.

Shang-Chi was filmed almost entirely in Sydney. Along with legions of Marvel fans, there are 110 eager MCTV extras who worked on the film who can’t wait to see it. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the amazing success of this movie – proving the expertise of the local film production industry yet again!

A disappointing update to share with you today. As those of you who have been submitted may know, Extraction 2, the sequel to Netflix’s 2020 action hit starring Chris Hemsworth was due to start production in Sydney shortly. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions, filming has now moved from Australia as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Poker Face, which has been filming at Barangaroo and is only 6 days away from the end of shooting is also currently on hold due to a crew member testing positive. Filming has been paused and all cast and crew directed to isolate until investigations are complete. You can read more here.

While the loss of Extraction 2 is discouraging, there are always new productions in the pipeline. We are still submitting for series and advertising campaigns. We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation in relation to the COVID protocols at this tricky time.

📷: Chris Hemsworth in Extraction: Netflix

Stan is championing locally produced, original Australian content with the announcement of several new series in conjunction with Screen Australia.

“Bump” has been just been renewed for Season 3 (to air in 2022) – as Series 2 commences filming! A new spin off-series, “Year Of” will feature the students and teachers we’ve met in “Bump” and will explore the challenges of growing up.

“Ironside” is a new series inspired by the Australian Federal Police and FBI’s ANOM app to track down international criminals. Also announced is “Bad Behaviour”, a four part series based on the book by Rebecca Starford which switches between past and present storylines and looks at the impact of bullying and it’s long term effects.

This is excellent news for the local production industry. We will keep you updated as more announcements are made on these.

Read more here.

📷: BUMP 2 Filming Underway: Stan

We are still submitting every day for productions even though our office and studio are temporarily closed.

At the beginning of the pandemic we doubled all memberships to 24 months, instead of 12 months at no additional cost, to assist our members. As our photo studio is currently closed for initial photo shoots and updates, we have further extended the membership period for all current members by an additional 3 months. Any new members who sign up before the end of September will also benefit from this extension.

In the meantime, new members or members who are due for an updated image should email through current selfies or headshots for submissions.

Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support and positivity at this time. We will continue to do all we can to secure jobs for as many members as possible and keep you updated on the situation as things change.

Hang in there and stay safe everybody.

📷: Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 4

A new project to make a mega film production facility in Sydney’s West has been reported. The development at Penrith Lakes (formerly a quarry and the Sydney Olympic Regatta Centre), called Lakeside Studio would comprise 10 sound stages, offices, screening room, workshop spaces, a cafeteria and a training school. The site is already part of movie history, being a location for Mad Max: Fury Road back in 2012.

The Daily Mail reported that the $150 million project would create up to 300 construction jobs over three years and, once completed, the site would ­employ up to 2,000 people on major movie projects.

James M Vernon, who produced Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge said ‘The demand for studio space in Australia has quadrupled in the past 10 years and recent inquiries from overseas producers have amounted to $2 billion in production expenditure’.

A project such as this would be a great addition to Sydney’s offering as a production hub of choice for local and International productions. Planning Minister, Rob Stokes is reported to be revealing plans soon. More to come…

📷: Movie magic at Sydney’s existing Fox Studios Australia: Screen NSW