Filming begins on Mortal Kombat movie adaptation in Port Adelaide
SA’s biggest ever film project Mortal Kombat has kicked off today, with hundreds of crew and cast gathering to create the first scene in an industrial western suburbs set.
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Filming of a new Hollywood blockbuster based on the gory series of Mortal Kombat video games has kicked off in the unassuming industrial backblocks of historic Port Adelaide.
In a missive from Warner Brothers Pictures’ headquarters in Burbank, California, producers said the film would shoot throughout SA “showcasing its locations, facilities and talent”.
It is the biggest production in SA’s history, and receiving at least $6 million in taxpayer funds.
Premier Steven Marshall on Monday joined the set, declaring: “It’s lights, camera, action”.
“There is a real buzz, a real energy, it’s electric in there at the moment,” he said.
“We are talking about hundreds and hundreds of people in SA working on the largest film in the history of our state. We couldn’t be more excited.”
Mr Marshall said there were 700 extras involved, and lots of crew work for locals.
Mortal Kombat executive producer E. Bennett Walsh said Port Adelaide was being used as a Chicago backdrop in the film, which is due for release in March 2021.
He estimated there were about 500 people working on the film, about 400 of which were from SA.
“It is like an army, where you have to be self-sufficient,” Mr Walsh said.
“Feeding, toilets, everything is self sufficient, power (as well).
“I think the (extras) are having a really good time, they are cheering on an MMA fight.”
Shooting in Port Adelaide will continue for about two weeks.
Other settings will include Mount Crawford and Coober Pedy.
The full day of shooting at Port Adelaide on Monday is expected to result in about 30 seconds of screen footage in the high-action film.
Mr Marshall insisted the taxpayer spend was delivering value for money.
“This is a really important sector. It really inspires the next generation,” he said.
“The screen sector is one that has been doing well around the rest of the country.
“We have been missing out, despite the fact that ... we have absolutely fantastic locations and skills in SA.
“Now is our opportunity to show the world our great capacity and capability.
Mr Marshall said the state also already had well-established skills in post production.
Last month, the media and entertainment union warned locals were struggling to get jobs.
MEAA state secretary Angelique Ivanika said she knew of senior film professionals who were unable to get jobs on the production, the biggest in the state’s filmmaking history.
“There are always going to be people brought in who have particular skills but we are concerned at the extent of experienced people here who appear to be missing out,” she said.
“We know that we have a very highly skilled workforce here.”
“We know that the amount of local people employed is far lower than was being said.”
