Better Man, with Williams in the title role, will begin shooting in January.
He’s sold more than 80 million albums and has six of the top 100 best-selling records in British history. Robbie Williams, who has had 14 number one hits will be travelling to Melbourne in the new year to work on his new biopic, Better Man.
The movie, with Williams in the title role and directed by Melbourne film-maker Michael Gracey, will begin shooting in January at Dockland Studios, and is expected to inject $107 million into the state economy. Set to become one of the largest movies to be filmed in the state, the film will create 2200 local jobs (including 14 local Heads of Departments, 80 visual effects practitioners, and 220 crew), and include a call out for 2700 extras for crowd and concert scenes – which sounds like a golden opportunity to us!
Backed by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, work will also be created for an estimated 300 local businesses and service providers.
Location scouts are scouring Victoria for landmarks resembling London and Manchester, where most of Williams’ story takes place.
The key takeaways
- Robbie Williams biopic Better Man will begin filming in Victoria early 2022.
- Better Man will film at Docklands Studios Melbourne and showcase the best of Victoria’s screen industry talent.
- The British pop superstar is heading to the Docklands for the major project.
Keep up with all the latest music news here.
Directed and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Michael Gracey (who made The Greatest Showman), the film will offer an introspective look into the experiences that shaped Williams, both on and off stage, exploring the experiences that made him who he is, and the demons he battled.
Williams joined Take That in 1990 at only 16, and more than 30 years later has achieved a total of 18 Brit Awards. Williams’ writing, recording and performances have set him apart in making a lasting impact on British culture, recognising the very highest level of British musical achievement. From his breakthrough global smash hit ‘Angels’, through to pop anthems ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Millennium’, ‘Come Undone’, ‘Kids’, ‘Feel’, ‘Rock DJ’, and more, Robbie Williams’ unparalleled catalogue is a career-defining generational soundtrack – and this film will be a behind the scenes look at it all.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said the film will build on other internationally acclaimed productions in the state.
“Victoria has a long history of celebrated contributions to the global film industry and Better Man will further showcase our world-class talent, crew and locations,” the Minister said.
“Supported as part of our VICSCREEN strategy, this project will create thousands of jobs for Victorians while delivering economic benefits right across the state.”
Commonwealth Minister for Arts Paul Fletcher said the production cements Victoria’s reputation as a hub for exceptional filmmaking.
“The decision to film Better Man in Victoria is a great testament to the enduring status of Australia as a destination for large scale film productions as a result of our talented creatives, skilled crews and exceptional facilities – supported by the Morrison Government’s attractive financial support for the film industry – including the 40% Producer Offset for Australian feature films,” Minister Fletcher said.
Off the back of international successes including Clickbait and La Brea, Better Man was attracted through the new Victorian Screen Incentive and will reinforce the state’s position as a global powerhouse in the industry. Attracting major job-creating productions is a key focus of VICSCREEN, Victoria’s $191.5 million, four-year strategy to strengthen and grow the state’s screen industry.
Better Man Director Michael Gracey said Melbourne was the perfect place to make the film.
“To tell Robbie William’s beautiful, distinct story, back home, in my own city, is a dream come true. There is a creative energy that burns across the Melbourne film industry, and I know this movie will thrive here with the support of the Australian Government’s Producer Offset and Film Victoria’s incentive program,” Mr Gracey said.
The star the movie is based on, Robbie Williams, said filming in Melbourne was an ideal location, revealing, “I’m so excited I am making this movie in Victoria with my friend Michael Gracey.”
You can find out more here.
