‘Upgrade’, directed by Leigh Whannell, is an action thriller with a science fiction twist. It follows Grey Trace, played by Logan Marshall-Green, an auto technician. After being paralyzed and having his wife murdered in a mugging, Grey receives a high-tech chip implant from a tech genius named Eron Keen. This chip allows him to control his body in amazing ways and fend off the bad people. The film combines action and futuristic technology in a scenario that feels quite familiar to us.
Where was “Upgrade” Filmed?
The filmmakers chose Melbourne, Australia, as the location for filming this cyberpunk universe. The film’s principal photography began in March 2017. To construct the film’s environment, the filmmakers used both genuine locales and studio sets. Here are the primary locations where ‘Upgrade’ was shot.
Melbourne, Australia
‘Upgrade’ is set in a near-future world where technology is advanced but the landscape still looks familiar. Writer-director Leigh Whannell wanted the film to feel grounded in reality. He worked closely with production designer Felicity Abbott to use real-life locations in Melbourne to make the film’s world believable.
The film was shot throughout Melbourne’s various suburbs. These areas were chosen because they resembled traditional American cities. The production team even talked with American actors to ensure that the Melbourne suburbs replicated the atmosphere of American communities. There is a pursuit scenario on the Craigieburn bypass Hume Freeway (M31). Traffic moves in the other direction in Australia, therefore the scenario depicts traffic flowing in a different direction than it would in the United States.
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology: One important location in the film is The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). This is a public research university located at 124 La Trobe Street in Melbourne. A large stairwell at RMIT was used in the movie. This stairwell is used by many students every day, and its appearance helped add to the film’s futuristic look.
Mornington Peninsula: Another major place was the Mornington Peninsula, which is near Melbourne. This location is well-known for its stunning scenery, golf courses, and seaside vistas. This is where scenes from Eron’s universe were filmed. The production team shot on a cliff to capture spectacular sunsets, and the entry to Eron’s universe was created with enormous boulders and digital effects.
Collingwood Arts Precinct: Some sequences were shot in the Collingwood Arts Precinct in Melbourne’s suburb of Collingwood. This arts complex at 35 Johnston Street provides multiple sets that were used in a variety of scenes. The center’s amenities, such as elevators and other set pieces, boosted the film’s visual appeal.
Dockland Studios: The production team used Dockland Studios, 476 Docklands Drive in Melbourne, for interior scenes. Sets for Grey and Tasha’s homes, as well as Eron’s home and labs, were constructed here. The studios had two distinct soundstages where different scenarios were filmed. The autonomous police cars in the film were also created at a specialized workshop. Scenes involving these vehicles were shot on both smaller sets within Dockland Studios and on different locations for outside shots. These scenes were enhanced with visual effects.
In summary, ‘Upgrade’ was filmed across various locations in Melbourne, Australia. The choice of real locations and studio sets helped create a believable near-future world that blends action with high-tech elements.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Upgrade
Q: Where was ‘Upgrade’ filmed?
A: “Upgrade” was mostly shot in Melbourne, Australia. Key filming locations were Melbourne’s suburbs, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), the Mornington Peninsula, the Collingwood Arts Precinct, and Dockland Studios.
Q: When did the filming of ‘Upgrade’ start and end?
A: The filming of ‘Upgrade’ began in March 2017. Principal photography was completed in early 2018.
Q: When was ‘Upgrade’ released?
A: ‘Upgrade’ was released in the United States on June 1, 2018.
Q: What are some notable locations featured in the movie?
A: Notable locations featured in ‘Upgrade’ include The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), where a large stairwell was used, the scenic Mornington Peninsula, and Collingwood Arts Precinct, which provided various sets for the film.
Q: How did the choice of filming locations contribute to the film’s setting?
A: The choice of filming locations in Melbourne helped create a believable near-future world that blends futuristic technology with familiar settings. The real-life locations provided a grounded feel, while studio sets and digital effects added to the film’s high-tech and cyberpunk atmosphere.
