Hollywood Heavyweights Head To The Whitsundays For $51M Film

Screen Queensland has chosen the sunshine state as its filming location for its latest production of Honeymoon with Harry. Photo supplied

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With its world-class scenery and idyllic island backdrop, the Whitsundays has long seemed to belong on the big screen. This April, that vision became a reality, as Screen Queensland rolled into the region for a major film production.

Screen Queensland has confirmed filming began last month on Amazon MGM Studios’ Honeymoon with Harry, starring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal, the latest in a growing list of high-profile productions choosing Queensland as their backdrop.

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Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said when Amazon MGM Studios began searching for the ideal resort location for Honeymoon with Harry, the Whitsundays quickly emerged as the perfect fit, highlighting the region’s reputation as a “production paradise” thanks to its skilled crews, strong infrastructure, government incentives and diverse locations.

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“By adopting a ‘film-friendly’ approach on past projects such as Ticket to Paradise, Black Snow and Love is in the Air, a region like The Whitsundays can earn a positive reputation with production companies which only encourages more projects in the future,” she said.

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The film follows a rough-around-the-edges man (Gyllenhaal) who is forced into an unexpected journey with his fiancée’s overprotective father (Costner) after their plans take a sudden turn. Set against the backdrop of an island honeymoon, the pair clash and bicker before gradually forming an unlikely bond in what is described as an emotional dramedy.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the production marks a major win for the region, noting the Whitsundays is well-positioned to attract more projects of this scale.

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“An international production like Honeymoon with Harry choosing our region puts us in front of a global audience and shines a spotlight on everything that makes this place world class,” he said.

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“When you’re talking about productions linked to major Hollywood names like Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal, it shows the level we’re now playing at and that’s something the whole region can be proud of.”

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Whitsunday Regional Council is part of Screen Queensland’s Film Friendly Councils Network; an initiative introduced to encourage more productions in regional areas.

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“I was in Brisbane last month meeting with Screen Queensland about how we attract more productions like this because the reality is we’ve already got a strong pedigree when it comes to film and television in this region,” said Mayor Collins.

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“We’ve seen it over the years that productions come here because of our natural assets, but we haven’t fully leaned into it as an industry. That’s the opportunity in front of us now.”

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Beyond the big names and bright lights, the economic impact is expected to be significant! Over the course of production, Honeymoon with Harry is projected to inject around $51 million into Queensland’s economy, supporting 215 jobs. In the Whitsundays alone, more than 70 locals have already been employed as crew and extras during the filming period.

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“As well as the immediate expenditure on a production like Honeymoon with Harry, there are also the later tourism benefits that the region can take advantage of, with this feature film putting The Whitsundays in the spotlight with a global audience,” said Ms Feeney.

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“While promoting Ticket to Paradise, George Clooney and Julia Roberts spoke warmly about their time filming in Queensland and we recently saw Jack Black and Paul Rudd talking about the fun they had working on the Gold Coast for Anaconda—that type of publicity is invaluable. Once a film has released, local businesses can also harness the power of promoting themselves as a filming destination or leverage key filming locations in their area.”

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Mayor Collins said he is also looking forward to seeing the benefits flow through to local businesses, with accommodation providers, transport operators, caterers and the construction sector all set to share in the economic boost generated by the production.

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“There’s a real economic upside here too,” said Mayor Collins.

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“Film crews stay local, eat local, hire local and that flows straight through to our accommodation providers, cafes, tradies and tourism operators.

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“Importantly, it also creates opportunities on the ground. Local businesses can get involved through supply and services, and there’s potential for local crew and support roles as well.”

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Mayor Collins said that while there may be some minor disruptions during filming, these are short term and well managed and the long-term benefit far outweighs any temporary inconvenience.

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“The bigger picture is what this means moving forward. When you showcase the Whitsundays on screen, our coastline, our 74 tropical islands, our lifestyle, you’re not just making a film, you’re marketing the region to millions of people globally. And if we get this right, this isn’t a one-off. This can become a genuine, growing industry for the Whitsundays,” he said.

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“It’s great for the region, great for local business, and great for our future.”

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With Screen Queensland continuing to prioritise regional production, the Whitsundays may not just be stepping into the spotlight, but establishing itself as a recurring star on the global film stage.

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