It was lights, camera, action in Macedon Ranges last month as filming got under way for Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man.
Directed and co-written by Melbourne-born Michael Gracey, Better Man will offer an introspective look into the experiences that shaped the popular UK entertainer.
The film follows Williams’ journey from working-class roots to stadium-filling stardom, and the demons he battled on and off stage.
Last month filming took place in the Macedon Ranges area for what is set to become one of the largest films to be shot in Victoria.
Locations revealed so far include Monegeetta’s circa 1882 signature Italianate mansion Mintaro, and the former Sunbury asylum.
The production and film crew transformed 1st Riddells Creek Scout Group’s hall into a dressing room with makeup booths, changerooms and costumes fit for 100 cast members.
“Outside was the main base, with over 100 cars, the big production caravans and all the glam of Hollywood,” group leader and district commissioner Andrew Smyth said.
“Joeys and scouts were on the look out for celebrities but there no sightings of Robbie Williams or his helicopter.”
Williams did however take to the stage at Rod Laver Arena to recreate some his most iconic performances for the $100 million feature.
Director Gracey, who was also an executive producer on the Elton John biopic Rocketman, said to tell Williams’ beautiful, distinct story, back home, was a dream come true.
Better Man was attracted to Melbourne and surrounds through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Incentive. It is filming alongside NBC’s hit sci-fi series La Brea, which has returned to Victoria for its much-anticipated second season.
