Victoria's status as a global hub for screen production continues as the new gridiron movie based on the life of American footballer John Tuggle kicks off principal photography in Melbourne.
The film will tell the heart-felt and inspiring true story of John Tuggle, who was named the "Mr. Irrelevant" of the 1983 NFL draft as the last player chosen in the last round by the New York Giants, and his enduring impact on his team and teammates.
The 'Untitled John Tuggle project,' will be filmed on location across Melbourne and Geelong with arenas such as Kardinia Park in Geelong and the La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora doubling for American football stadiums.
Kardinia Park
The production will create 825 jobs for Victorian screen workers, including 215 crew, 570 cast and extras including members of the local gridiron community who will suit up to play footballers, referees, umpires and more.
The film will inject almost $29 million into the Victorian economy, with an estimated 125 local businesses to be engaged, from specialist screen businesses to medical facilities, accommodation providers and hospitality venues.
Starring David Corenswet (Superman), Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals, Shape of Water) and Isabel May (1883, Masters of Air, I Want You Back), the film is directed by Jonathan Levine (50/50, Longshot) and written and produced by Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora (Reacher, FUBAR).
The film will be produced by Skydance Sports with Levine and Gillian Bohrer for Megamix and Nick Santora for Blackjack Films. Stan Wlodkowski will executive produce.
The production was attracted to the state by VicScreen, the Victorian Government's creative and economic screen development agency through its Victorian Screen Rebate. The production is also accessing the Federal Government's Location Offset.
The film joins a slew of major projects filming in the state, including TV series The Dispatcher and Liam Neeson action feature The Mongoose.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Minister Brooks said, "It's exciting to see another major international production coming to life in Victoria, creating hundreds of jobs and delivering economic impact in Melbourne and regional Victoria."
"This project continues the winning streak for our local screen industry, showcasing both our creative capability and our world class sporting facilities."
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, "This production will shine a global spotlight on Victoria's thriving gridiron community ahead of the Los Angeles Rams' historic appearance in Australia's first-ever NFL regular season games at the MCG next year."
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, "Victoria has achieved its vision to become a global powerhouse for screen production and our screen industry is known for its highly skilled and experienced crews and local businesses, diverse locations, and talented creatives."
Brad Carlson, EVP of Physical Production at Skydance said, "We are thrilled to be making this film in Victoria with its first-class crews and screen infrastructure. The state's amazing sports facilities and varied locations can double locations like New York, California and Mexico, so we knew there was no better place to bring this project to life."
Learn more about the Victorian Screen Rebate.
