We might be accustomed to gallery exhibitions about the Hollywood elite, but Bendigo is still struggling to attract the movie business to town.
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As regional rival Ballarat fields calls from filmmakers behind a new Ned Kelly biopic, it appears Bendigo is yet to capture the attention of silver screen bosses.
But a Film Victoria list of potential locations inside the central Victorian city reveals there is no shortage of potential places to shoot.
The cinema peak body’s archive contains hundreds of images pointing filmmakers towards Bendigo locations fit for a film crew.
Some of the local spots are no surprise – heritage buildings the Capital and Camp Hill primary school make the cut – but others are more baffling.
VCAL and apprenticeship provider BTEC gets a run, as does the Spring Gully water tower and Ravenswood rest area.
Film Victoria chief executive officer Jenni Tosi said it was often unsuspecting locales that inspired directors and cinematographers.
“We’re always on the lookout for new locations – what may seem normal or commonplace may be the unique place, building or home a production is after,” she said.
“We aim to provide local and international producers with a wide selection of images to ensure they can find the perfect fit for their production needs.”
The Bendigo sites are part of a 65,000-image Film Victoria archive, many of which were submitted by members of the public who thought their property was well-suited to a film shoot.
A City of Greater Bendigo spokesperson said in September the region was a more popular destination for lifestyle shows than big budget films.
Real estate programs Selling Houses Australia and House Hunters International have both shot episodes in Bendigo in 2017.
Film crews from Channel 9’s Reno Rumble shut down Tomlins Street last year to shoot episodes of the makeover program.
If you believe your property is suitable for filming, Film Victoria invites you to email locations@film.vic.gov.au.