Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) announced last Friday 7 February that a large crew, shooting for a Hollywood movie, will arrive to film in Castlemaine over the next week. Permits are still being finalised so not all details are available, but the council advised that a Liam Neeson movie called The Mongoose will be shot in the centre of town in streets including Lyttleton, Templeton and Frederick Streets, plus some filming on the Midland Highway near Maclise Street. The expected dates are Monday 17 to Tuesday 25 February and some changes to traffic access may occur during these times.

Council advised that it is working closely with the production company, Servo Productions, to arrange permits; it requires the film team to work closely with local community. The council announcement said: “We understand that this filming might cause some inconvenience over those days. At Mount Alexander Shire Council, we are seeking to maximise the substantial benefits this opportunity presents the shire and the region, while recognising and minimising the effect it has on the community’s day-to-day operations.”

The news struck a chord with Rob Leeson, legendary photographer for the Tarrangower Times, who shared the following upon hearing about Hollywood coming to Castlemaine:

“Last time Liam Neeson was here he was filming at a lake and I was taking photos with a long-angle lens from in the bushes, trying to get an action shot of the explosions. And a security guard came up to me and told me to move and I said hey, I’m allowed to be here and he said yeah but we can see you farting around in the background, we need you to get out of the shot!”

Stay informed about filming updates by checking the MASC website: mountalexander.vic.gov.au/council/news-and-updates.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 14 February 2025.
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