Film Production Commences in Queensland
Production has commenced in Queensland, Australia, for an untitled Amazon MGM Studios feature film starring Alan Ritchson. The project focuses on the life of Navy SEAL Mike Thornton. Principal photography is scheduled to begin this month at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.
Key Personnel and Cast
Australian director Patrick Hughes is directing the film, which depicts Thornton's survival account in the South China Sea, an event for which he was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. Alan Ritchson is cast in a leading role, joined by Joe Cole and Hoa Xuande. The screenplay was written by Mark Semos, Alan Ritchson, and Jason Hall.
Producers for the film include Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller representing Balboa Productions, Todd Lieberman and Alex Young from Hidden Pictures, AllyCat Entertainment, and Alan Rautbort. Executive producers are Valerie Bleth Sharp and Mike Thornton.
Government Support and Economic Impact
The production receives support from the Australian government's Location Offset, the Queensland government's Screen Queensland Production Attraction Strategy, and the City of Gold Coast's Screen Attraction Program.
Tim Nicholls, Acting Minister for the Arts, stated that the project is projected to create employment for approximately 260 local cast and crew members. Additionally, it is estimated to inject AUD50 million ($33.5 million) into Queensland's economy and support various small businesses.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney noted the state's experience with military and water-based productions as a contributing factor for the production's return to Queensland. Director Patrick Hughes cited the Gold Coast's crews, facilities, and locations as suitable for the film's scale.
Context within Amazon MGM Studios Productions
This Mike Thornton project is part of Amazon MGM Studios' expanding portfolio of films based in Queensland. Other productions include "Balls Up," "The Bluff," "Voltron," and "Subversion."