MovieChat Forums > The Greatest Showman (2017) Discussion > Filming location in Australia?

Filming location in Australia?

posted 9 years ago by search_for_truth
6 replies | jump to latest

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/movies/short-cuts-hugh-jackman-circus-movie-is-circling-for-an-australian-shoot-20150429-1mvdd5.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[–] baj-1 9 years ago

Hmmm...

*Producer Jackman probably wants to take advantage of a favorable tax-rebate policy and to give local Australian talent another chance to contribute to a big film project. And FOX may also want to give their Sydney studios a chance to be productive -- but:

*Filming this in the neighborhood ( America  ) will have the advantage of ongoing interest, as news on the production is reported regularly ( mainly by the locale that is chosen for the project). That can start the word of mouth for the movie, which can be both a potential commercial hit and a potential Oscar candidate...Although on the other hand, Aussie media is one of the nosiest and chattiest ( is there is such a word) - LOL!

*Most importantly, the film project needs outstanding acting/performing talent and an excellent creative team, if it is to be regarded as an excellent movie that can fill the box office and the award bodies's list of contenders. Hollywood and Broadway on both coasts can provide that talent. Australia provided the technical talent for the CGI-heavy The Wolverine - but what is the depth and breadth of available of talent for a movie musical spectacular?? Can it compete with Hollywood and Broadway for both acting/performing and creative talent?

*Like the above-mentioned costume designer, would key talent want to spend 3-4 months in Australia?

*Individual states in America now offer attractive filming incentives given the appeal of Canadian, European and Australian incentives...so maybe this can be explored.

*Why not in New York as previously mentioned in early press releases?

We'll see how this develops 

[–] search_for_truth 9 years ago

We'll see! 

[–] baj-1 9 years ago

P.T.Barnum was born and lived his life and career in northeastern America in the 19th century.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._T._Barnum

I wonder, where will they find the natural sets of 19th century buildings and surroundings of America in Australia? Maybe Melbourne, not too sure if Sydney can provide that kind of a set?

I am reminded of the film adaptation of HELLO DOLLY, which mainly takes place in Yonkers and 19th century downtown NYC. That one has a certain atmosphere which enhanced the storytelling. Will they not need the same kind of a setting?

Or will they film this story mostly in sound stages? A big circus tent in a film soundstage 

Last question -- are there trained elephants and lions in Australia 

I guess I am just too nosy and meddlesome 

[–] search_for_truth 9 years ago

trained elephants and lions in Australia

Don't think so, but there are in India! 

[–] baj2 9 years ago

Hugh has confirmed that he is trying to work out filming GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH ( and WOLVERINE 3) in Australia --

http://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/watch/home-soil-films/vp-AAdTT8K

I wonder if he is going to look at his cast/production staff from his forthcoming concert series across Australia ( Broadway to Oz) as possible casting for the movie? He says there will be a cast of 150, to include triple threats, the orchestra, etc.

[–] baj2 8 years ago

Jackman movie to shoot overseas

It was a chance of shooting in Australia but the word is that Hugh Jackman's new musical about circus owner P.T. Barnum will shoot in the US.

At the CineEurope cinema trade show in Barcelona, debut Australian director Michael Gracey has talked about his vision for what he called a "return to the classic film musical", likening the movie to West Side Story, Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, concept art and musical numbers for the planned 20th Century Fox movie were unveiled, as well as videos of Jackman and the team in rehearsals.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/short-cuts-tropfest-nz-canned-but-australian-short-film-festival-will-go-ahead-20160622-gporf7.html#ixzz4CIFBeKge

It is likely filming in New York.

I think this might be the better option --

*The setting of the biopic is in the tri-state area. Barnum, a famous impresario, lived in Connecticut and his entertainment events had likely largely occurred in the tri-state area, so replicating 19th century northeastern USA will be easier.

*Casting of actors/actresses and hiring of other members of the creative team/technical crew outside of Hollywood can likely be filled by triple threats from the Broadway community and the extensive film production talent in the area. The workshop was performed by Broadway triple threats, including Hugh Jackman! The music was composed mainly by Pasek and Paul, who are more known for their stage musicals.

It may also be more convenient or easier as some may not want to film in faraway Australia, especially if they have families in the USA. It may also elicit the full support of the Broadway community and theatre fans if some minor roles can be filled by stage actors/actresses.

*Set reports out of New York may increase interest in the film project especially in the domestic market as the biopic is essentially an American story!