Signing off the filmmaking year for New South Wales is new footage from the upcoming release of Peter Rabbit, with NSW screen talent and locations front and centre for much of the live-action animation.
Making the jump from author Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s stories about a mischievous rabbit, Peter Rabbit is voiced by James Corden, delivering a delightfully entertaining mix of mischief, adventurous spirit and charm. The film is directed by Will Gluck, with Australian producer Zareh Nalbandian and his animation and VFX and production house Animal Logic (Happy Feet, The Great Gatsby, The LEGO Movie) and Sony Pictures Entertainment bringing the action to life.
Corden is supported by Sydney-born actress Rose Byrne as Bea and Domhnall Gleeson as Mr. McGregor, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail. Australian singer Sia provides the voice of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.
Watch the cast of Peter Rabbit discuss the importance of Beatrix Potter’s legacy.
During filming, Sydney’s leafy Centennial Park was used to recreate the quaint English countryside home of Mr. McGregor, with a purpose-built collection of cottages and other buildings created across a 30-hectare / 75-acre backlot space.
Other locations including Camden, Bringelly and Thirlmere were also used for shooting, along with a Bondi Junction hardware store (glimpsed in the latest trailer). Sydney’s Central station even gets a look-in in the film, doubling as London’s busy Paddington station.
Create NSW assisted the production with an NSW state incentive, as well as with location searches and location facilitation for the film.
Director Will Gluck said of the shoot, “I am so thankful to the stellar Aussie crew that helped bring Peter and McGregor’s garden to life. It was not only fun to shoot in and around Sydney, but it looks spectacular.”
Create NSW Director of Sector Investment Sophia Zachariou commented, “To see Sydney double for England’s luscious Lake District area, just minutes away from our biggest film studio, is quite a feat! The crew did an incredible job. The film involved a cast and crew of nearly 700 working across a shoot of 50 days before post-production began and we’re excited by everything we’ve seen so far.
“Peter Rabbit is another fantastic example of the strength of the NSW screen industry and another achievement in attracting productions through our Made in NSW $20m fund. We’re very excited about what 2018 has in store for NSW, so watch this space for more news from us in the new year.”
Check out the latest international trailer below.
Peter Rabbit is released in the US on 9 February and 16 March in the UK. It will be released in Australia on 22 March. #PeterRabbitMovie