Beloved animated character Woody Woodpecker has flown Down Under, with Universal 1440 Entertainment announcing that the next chapter in the popular movie franchise is filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The production is supported by the Morrison Government’s Location Incentive program and is also receiving financial support by the Victorian Government via Film Victoria’s Victorian Screen Incentive.

Australian Government Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the production is injecting more than $20 million into the Australian economy.

“The Woody Woodpecker sequel is providing employment for more than 700 Australian cast and crew, and more than 300 Australian extras,”

Minister Paul Fletcher

Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said Woody Woodpecker will share the state’s stunning locations with audiences around the world and showcase Victorian talent.

“Victoria’s natural landscapes can double as almost anywhere in the world and this provides a lucrative opportunity for our regional communities, as well as jobs for our skilled screen practitioners,”

– Minister Pearson

More than 1000 Australian cast, crew, extras and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) talent will bring the world-famous woodpecker’s signature laugh, wacky antics and wisecracks to life on the production, which combines live action and CGI animation.

“Australia has great locations, skilled crews, world-class talent, and state of the art facilities.”

Glenn Ross, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Universal 1440 Entertainment

Minister Fletcher also said “This production is going to be providing significant training opportunities for aspiring Aussie directors, technical crew and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) professionals. Australia’s rising industry talent will gain invaluable experience on this CGI animated and live action hybrid production, elevating the local sector and helping to grow and enhance our screen industry.”

The production is funded through Film Victoria’s Victorian Screen Incentive.
It is also supported by the Federal Government through the Location Incentive.

Want to find out more about filming in Victoria? Contact Film Victoria’s Manager of Production Attraction & Support Joe Brinkmann at [email protected]

Featured Image Credit: Woody Woodpecker supplied by Universal. Background of Hopetoun Falls in Victoria’s Cape Otway via Visit Victoria, photo Emily Godfrey.