Monster talent says it’s a wrap
AUSSIE actor Dan Ewing has just wrapped up filming on the Gold Coast after starring in one of his biggest films to date, Monster Problems.
The Sydney-based actor has been staying in the city’s south for the past couple of weeks filming for the major US film.
Ewing, 33, was the only Australian with a lead role; the other three are Americans Michael Rooker, Dylan O’Brien and Jessica Henwick.
Filming started a couple of weeks ago at Duranbah Beach, underneath Point Danger, and wraps up today.
Ewing, who stars as a character by the name of Cap, said he was offered the part after about 300 people had auditioned either live or by sending in their audition tape.
“I was very chuffed to snag an all American deal,” he said.
“It would certainly be my biggest budget film to date.
“They were certainly getting down to the nitty gritty and then they asked if (I) wanted to put down a tape and the rest is history.”
Dozens of locals have been sharing pics of the film set, showing off the action and stunts.
“It’s been pretty full on. Very long days, but it’s been good,” he said.
“Most days we (were) up at 4am for hair and makeup. I usually get home about 4pm in the afternoon.
“(It’s set) in a post apocalyptic world, so there is lots of stuff that needs to be done to your face.”
It is the second film Ewing has worked on to have been shot on the Gold Coast and the actor joked that he was spending so much time here that he should perhaps buy a property.
“I love it (here). The studio and landscapes is something they don’t have (at home) in Sydney,” he said.
“The crews here are second to none in Australia. I’ve done a lot of work in Sydney, but the Queensland crews are phenomenal.”
Monster Problems is based on a young man who learns how to survive a monster apocalypse with the help of an expert hunter.
Queensland secured the Paramount Pictures film in February.
The production created about 260 job opportunities and is estimated to have injected more than $29 million directly into the state.
Hundreds of small businesses were used, from equipment and rental suppliers to construction materials, transport, catering, make-up and equipment hire.
The film is the second major US production to have been filmed on the Gold Coast within the past 12 months, with Dora and the Lost City of Gold wrapping up late last year.
More than 360 crew and extras worked on the Dora film, which injected an estimated $43 million into the local economy.
Paramount Pictures is expected to release Monster Problems in 2020.