Film Victoria on the hunt for Stonnington homes
Scores of stunning Melbourne homes are building reputations after featuring on hit TV shows and films. Now the state’s peak film body is looking for more, revealing what houses are popular among local and international filmmakers.
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Anyone who has ever thought their home was pretty enough to be used on TV or in a film could get their wish fulfilled.
Film Victoria is seeking interesting houses, particularly in the Stonnington area, to become possible screen locations.
Film Victoria manager Joe Brinkmann said suburbs like South Yarra, Toorak and Malvern featured many Victorian, Edwardian and high-end homes, which were popular with both local and international filmmakers.
“They can mimic the architecture of other cities and towns from around the world,” he said.
“In a globally competitive market, the diversity of our architecture and landscapes, along with the support offered by Film Victoria, make Melbourne one of the most attractive places to shoot in our region.
“The right location could double as just about anywhere — Los Angeles, England or even China.”
Armadale homeowner Melissa Rothfield has had “40 to 50” shoots in her house in the past 21 years, including 2017 show Seven Types of Ambiguity, based off the Elliot Perlman book.
She was first approached by friends in the industry for a TV commercial or miniseries and has not looked back since.
“I knew they’d look after the house and insurance always covers that anyway,” Mrs Rothfield said.
“It’s also a really nice way to get paid and it’s a bit of fun.”
She did warn that it could be “daunting”, especially for those not familiar with the process, “but you still have control over your house”.
It was also important to be mindful of accessibility, the neighbours and parking.
She said it was never less than an eight-hour day, even for a still shoot, but owners were compensated by day and occasionally also for hotel accommodation.
European-style homes including Art Deco, Tudor and English cottages are also popular.
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Mr Brinkmann said those who were willing to open their homes to film crews “have an overwhelmingly positive experience: they are compensated financially … protected by the production’s insurance and have the thrill of seeing their home on the big (or small) screen once a film or TV show is released”.
Stonnington Council issues about 80 filming permits annually, making about $40,000 with an extra $15,000 waived to support student projects, charitable efforts, tourism filming and arts and cultural grant recipients.
The many productions shot in Stonnington include The Block, The Real Housewives of Melbourne, The Wrong Girl, House Hunters International, Five Bedrooms, Married At First Sight, Mr Black and Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries.
Anyone who thinks their home could make an ideal film set can phone Laura Emerick on 9660 3216 or email locations@film.vic.gov.au