Filming underway in Port Melbourne on US drama La Brea

Australian actors Rohan Mirchandaney (Mystery Road, House Husbands, Hotel Mumbai) and Chloe De Los Santos (Fam Time, The End, Tidelands) have joined the cast of US drama La Brea currently filming in Port Melbourne.

They join with Nicholas Gonzalez, Eoin Macken, Natalie Zea, John Seda and other US cast.

The series surrounds a giant sinkhole in Los Angeles. A family tries to survive it after they are separated.

Filming is now underway for those scenes in Port Melbourne, overseen by Matchbox Pictures. Post-production and visual effects will also take place in Melbourne.

The production is expected to inject more than $71 million into the economy, create jobs for 290 Australian cast and crew, and use the services of around 295 local businesses. It attracted a $9.66 million grant as part of the Morrison Government’s $540 million Location Incentive.

“The filming of La Brea in Victoria will allow us to accelerate upskilling the next generation of screen industry professionals,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The Morrison Government is pleased that as part of this production Universal Studio Group and Matchbox will partner with the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) on a training initiative dedicated to virtual production, one of the most exciting areas of growth and innovation in the global industry.”

Chief Operating Officer for Matchbox, Matt Vitins said, “Following the success of shooting Young Rock in Queensland, this project will allow us to invest even more in technology and training for Australian creative talent. The partnership with AFTRS is a very exciting part of this.”

LATEST UPDATE:

Bay Street, in Port Melbourne, closed from midnight on Monday 3/05/2021 to Wednesday 5/05/2021

Busy Bay Street in upmarket Port Melbourne will be partially closed to the public so a hit new US TV show can begin filming there for six months.

Cars will not be allowed to drive down Bay Street between Beach and Graham streets when it is closed at midnight on Monday.

Only pedestrians will be able to access it as production begins on the series ‘La Brea’.