Wizards! movie set hits Port Douglas and locals get involved

It’s lights, camera, action in Port Douglas as celebrities roll into town for the filming of David Michod’s latest movie Wizards! but it’s not just Hollywood A-listers getting in on this big screen.

THE SPOTLIGHT is on the Far North as international talent gathers in Port Douglas, but the filming of David Michod’s latest movie brings more than just Hollywood stars, with diverse opportunities opening up for the region’s film hopefuls to get a piece of the action.

Set to be filmed in the popular tourist destination of Port Douglas, Michod’s Wizards! stars Pete Davidson and Orlando Bloom but the cast and crew aren’t all A-listers flying in from America, with Cairns-based production teams and talent agencies making sure the Far North is well-represented in the latest movie endeavour on FNQ’s tropical beaches.

Actor and comedian Pete Davidson posing for pictures with fan Sean Fitzgerald on Cairns Esplanade. Photo: Instagram/@seanontour Copyright: Supplied

Founder of Far North-based Ring of Fire Productions Anthony Ring said working on the bigger movie sets that have international funding, can often lead to more opportunities for locals in the film and screen industry.

“If somebody on these sets that makes the big decision takes a liking to you, that can be enough to get you going, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“As a professional actor, casting director and film maker, I consider it my business to know who is doing what in FNQ and while I’m unaware of any local talent with speaking parts, I know there are a number of local crew being employed on the film.

Cairns actor Anthony Ring for a feature on the resilience and creativity of actors working in a small environment.

“Ultimately, everyone that has aspirations to work in the film industry wants major productions to come to the region. We have to earn our stripes and build a solid reputation for ourselves.”

Mr Ring said the production of Wizards! has taken the main focus of most film and screen hopefuls, putting Australian-based passion projects on pause for now.

“There are many grassroot, passion and non-paid projects in production currently that have lost professional crew, especially hair and makeup professionals, to the current set in Port Douglas,” he said.

“However, I’m certainly not angry about it, on the contrary.

“If we are being meaningfully employed in the industry, that’s awesome.”

Originally published as Wizards! movie set hits Port Douglas and locals get involved