Universal Studio Group’s highly anticipated new sci-fi series from writer, director and showrunner Sam Esmail (Mr Robot) is set to make Melbourne, Victoria, a global centre for virtual production.

The biggest screen project to ever be produced in the state of Victoria, Metropolis will be created using new cutting-edge virtual production infrastructure.

As well as being Australia’s home of high-end television and digital games, Victoria has a skilled and adaptable workforce, including VFX experts, making it the perfect place for a multi-million-dollar virtual production hub.

Inspired by the revolutionary Fritz Lang science fiction work, Metropolis is the first of a pipeline of projects that have been attracted to Melbourne by VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Incentive grant and the Australian Government’s Location Incentive.

The Australian and Victorian Governments are also supporting the virtual production infrastructure to be built in Melbourne, including one of the largest permanent ‘LED volumes’ anywhere in the world.

“Metropolis is set to be one of the most technically ambitious screen productions in the world, and the state-of-the-art infrastructure being built right here, along with our outstanding crew and locations, truly places Melbourne as amongst the world’s great screen production cities.”

Caroline Pitcher, CEO, VicScreen

This state-of-the-art technology, which was used to bring worlds to life in the ground-breaking Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, will be configured for high-budget international films and television series. A second permanent LED volume will be adapted for more contained scenes.

“Australia’s strong history and reputation in visual effects and equally strong record in game development means it is well placed to take a world-leading position in the application of virtual production technology.”

Matt Vitins, Chief Operating Officer, Matchbox Pictures

Metropolis comes off the back of numerous international smash hits that have been filmed in Victoria, including NBCU’s La Brea and Clickbait, which reached the #1 spot on Netflix in over 20 countries, as well as the recent completion of a 40,000 sqft (3,700 sqm) super stage at Docklands Studios Melbourne.

Victorian director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) is now gearing up to film Better Man, a biopic on British pop star Robbie Williams, and La Brea is returning to Melbourne to shoot its blockbuster second season.

Want to find out more about filming in Victoria?

Get in touch with VicScreen’s Manager of Production Attraction & Support Joe Brinkmann at [email protected] or vicscreen.vic.gov.au.