Staying true to its goal of supporting emerging filmmakers, Docklands Studios recently welcomed debut writer-director John Fraser and his independently financed Choir Girl.

Shot in black and white, Choir Girl is the story of a lonely photographer obsessed with a teenage prostitute being controlled by an underworld criminal. It stars Peter Flaherty (The Leftovers), Roger Ward (Mad Max), Krista Vendy (Neighbours), Andy McPhee (Ali’s Wedding), Kym Valentine (Neighbours), Jack Campbell (All Saints), and VCA graduate Sarah Timm.

With a budget of around $600,000, Choir Girl made the most of its month-long stint in Sound Stage 4, constructing two main sets of a hotel then converting these into an apartment. Even the overhead gantry and production offices featured in scenes, according to producer Ivan Malekin of Nexus Production Group. “If we were going out and trying to find all these locations we’d be constantly moving and that takes a lot of money and a lot of effort. So being at Docklands actually allowed us to save money. You wouldn’t think so with a massive studio but it made the production more efficient.”

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Fraser completed the gritty urban look at various Melbourne landmarks including Pentridge Prison and St Kilda’s Oslo Hotel.

During their time at Docklands the cast and crew of Choir Girl rubbed shoulders with a number of larger productions, including the Spierig Brothers’ Winchester, starring Helen Mirren.

“It adds a certain level of legitimacy and excitement to the production when you’re rolling up to work at Docklands every morning – you get a good energy in the air,” said Malekin.