International superstar Liam Neeson has returned to Victoria to film his latest action-thriller. It's his third production in the state in recent years, creating jobs for local crews and giving the economy a boost. Costa Haritos takes a look behind the scenes.
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00:00Some professional advice from a Hollywood star.
00:06You know they're all sacred and so you're not squinting?
00:09Look at the sun in your eyes, you know.
00:11Landing back in Victoria for his third film in four years,
00:15Liam Neeson has helped transform Backus Marsh into America's southwest.
00:20I think there's a cliche around here, if you don't like the weather in here, just wait five minutes.
00:25Yeah, plus you can shoot all four seasons in one day.
00:27That's right, exactly.
00:29The Mongoose sees Neeson's star as a war hero accused of a crime he didn't commit.
00:34In the scene being shot in Backus Marsh,
00:36Neeson's character is helped by his former special forces battalion to evade police.
00:41They try to get away and his friends who are from Afghanistan are the helicopter pilots being chased.
00:48We were shooting Victoria for Nepal and India
00:53and now we're shooting in the same sets for Afghanistan and also Texas and Arkansas.
01:02Backed by the Victorian Screen Initiative, the production has landed over 450 jobs for local workers.
01:09Over $2 million into the regions, $19 million holistically.
01:14The Australian crews are not only technically very savvy, but they rate right up with the Hollywood crews.
01:20Filming will be held in central Victoria and in Melbourne until the end of next month,
01:25with the Mongoose expected for release next year.