The historic streetscapes of Ballarat and Clunes could soon again be on the silver screen, with scouts considering the area for a big budget remake of The True Story of the Kelly Gang.
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In 2015, Australian director Justin Kurzel announced he was working on a film based on the Peter Carey novel published in 2000 which would be shot in Australia.
Hepburn Shire events coordinator Rebecca Pedretti confirmed the council had been assisting film scouts preparing to shoot a Ned Kelly film. While production companies Daybreak Pictures and Porchlight Films are yet to lock down filming locations, both Ballarat and Clunes have extensive history on the big and small screen due to their preserved gold rush streetscapes.
In recent years shooting of the ABC’s hit Dr Blake Mysteries series has regularly taken over Lydiard Street, while earlier this year Clunes’ Fraser street was transformed for the Picnic at Hanging Rock miniseries.
If given the go-ahead it would be the second time Clunes has hosted a Ned Kelly inspired production, after the town was used for the 2003 film starring Heath Ledger.
Cameron Ward councillor Neil Newitt said Clunes had proven itself to be an ideal location for film production.
“If there is a production company looking to film in the area it is a fabulous opportunity for the whole shire,” Cr Newitt said.
“The main street (of Clunes) can be closed off because there’s alternative routes around it which is really attractive to film producers.”
Mr Kurzel is most well known for the 2011 film Snowtown and recently took on the task of producing the video game-based movie Assassin's Creed.
Ballarat City mayor Samantha McIntosh said in a statement while the city was yet to receive an application to shoot in the municipality, film inquiries were welcome.
“Ballarat’s heritage buildings and streetscapes reflect a bygone era that is often chosen for the location of a range of productions,” Cr McIntosh said.
“Ballarat is also just a short trip from Melbourne’s studios, sound stages, equipment suppliers, warehouses, special and visual effects and post production facilities.”
The Courier contacted Mr Kurzel’s management HLA Management for comment.