Melbourne CBD transformed for Gerard Butler movie
It isn’t often that a Melbourne tram drives past fleet of New York City taxis, but movie magic has made it happen this Tuesday night.
The corner of Swanston and Collins streets has been transformed into downtown Manhattan for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as shooting on the big-budget Hollywood film Empire City continues.
Collins Street has always had a Paris end, but on Tuesday night it became New York.Credit: Alexander Darling
Dozens of extras, one of them wearing an “I Heart NY” shirt strode time and time again down Collins Street, which has been renamed West 53rd Street for this production.
Meanwhile, on Fifth Avenue (Swanston Street) a maze of bikes, lenses and technical equipment occupied the Town Hall concourse.
A new truck and a Bearcat were among the massive props brought into the area for the shoot.Credit: Matt Burgess
Little Collins Street has become West 52nd Street, and is currently impassible as a crane with two massive search lights illuminate the film set from above.
It’s understood Swanston Street will close to trams after 9pm, so street scenes can be filmed.
The Town Hall itself will feature in some scenes in the production.
