God’s Favorite Idiot films in Alstonville’s streets

You may have days in the pandemic when you feel like you’re living through an apocalypse, but the Netflix series being made in the Northern Rivers – God’s Favorite Idiot – does include one, plus a lake of fire.

The production last week was shooting in the streets of Alstonville. Left-hand-drive cars with Californian number plates were trucked into the quiet town.

The series has also filmed at various Lismore locations including the museum, art gallery quad and the base hospital. A $10 million grant from the Federal Government’s $540 million Location Incentive program helped lure the production to the region.

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The 16-episode series follows mid-level tech support employee Clark Thompson (American actor Ben Falcone) who finds love with co-worker Amily Luck (Melissa McCarthy) at the same time he becomes the unwitting messenger of God.

Ms McCarthy, aged 50, also recently starred in Nine Perfect Strangers, shot in the Byron hinterland. The comedian rose to fame in the Hangover and Bridesmaid movies.

Falcone and McCarthy, a husband-and-wife team, said in a statement: “To have the opportunity to safely film our show in a beautiful country like Australia is a dream come true. We love this country, and the talented people who live and work here. A special thank you to Chris, Luke, and Liam Hemsworth for volunteering to carry us to and from work with their wonderful powerful arms.”

More than 300 local cast and crew are reported to be employed on the production, and more than $74 million injected into the economy. Netflix has also promised to engage around 1,000 local businesses.

However, some Alstonville locals have reported an increase in traffic and noise in streets close to the showground, where the production is based.

Ballina Mayor David Wright supports the Netflix’s production, but has pointed out that local councils had limited power to prevent filming in their shires.

“Some people think there should have been a DA [Development Application] for this, but it’s exempt development from state government – because state government encourages filming so we can’t stop it,” Mr Wright said.