Where was Bait filmed?
2012
City Locations
Queensland (Australia)
Location Types
Storefront, Film Studio
Location Styles
Beachfront, Parking Lot, Retreat, Construction
About Bait
Bait 2012 is an intense 3D horror disaster film brought to life by the visionary director Kimble Rendall. Premiering in Australia on 20th September 2012, this thrilling spectacle features an ensemble cast that includes talented actors such as Phoebe Tonkin, Sharni Vinson, Xavier Samuel, Cariba Heine, Julian McMahon, Alex Russell, and others.
This spine-chilling feature takes viewers on a terrifying journey with a group of individuals trapped in a grocery store. Their ordinary day turns catastrophic when a devastating tsunami engulfs their surroundings. The nightmare continues, as the group soon realizes they have the rising water and lethal great white sharks to contend with. This intense plot vividly encapsulates the struggle for survival against nature's most fearsome creatures and the unpredictability of natural disasters.
Despite its captivating storyline and notable cast, no record shows Bait 2012 receiving formal awards. Nonetheless, the film's unique take on the horror genre and its immersive 3D effects continue to thrill and engage audiences, making it a noteworthy entry into disaster and horror cinema.
Bait Locations
The production of Bait took place in the picturesque landscapes of Queensland, Australia. The narrative unfolds within an unnamed basement supermarket; however, the real-life location is an ALDI supermarket in Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, a ground-level store. Stage 5, Village Roadshow Studios, in Oxenford, Queensland, provided the setting for some scenes.
Queensland presents a captivating backdrop with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cityscapes. Coolangatta, known for its lovely beachside parks and renowned surf spots, adds a touch of coastal charm to the film. On the other hand, Oxenford, home to many theme parks and adventure attractions, offers a more dynamic and bustling atmosphere.
A visit to these locations would be worthwhile for fans of Bait and those drawn to natural beauty and adventurous locales. The juxtaposition of a typical supermarket in the serene beach town of Coolangatta and the high-tech studios in lively Oxenford provides a unique blend of experiences, making it an intriguing destination for movie buffs and travelers alike.
Fun Facts:
Filming used three robotic sharks. Director Kimble Rendall had initially hoped to steer clear of computer-generated imagery entirely, but budget constraints forced production to use it in some sequences.
The shark attack at the beach scene in Bait
Coolangatta Beach, Queensland, Australia
The opening scene shows Tina (Sharni Vinson) bending down to pick something up on the beach. She turns around and reveals a seahorse to Josh (Xavier Samuel). Simultaneously, a man swims in the ocean while Rory (Richard Brancatisano) is on his lifeguard board. A shark appears, disrupting the serene beach setting. From his vantage point on the watchtower, Josh witnesses the shark attacking the man, but Rory, out in the water, remains oblivious to the impending danger.
Coolangatta Beach, a beautiful location known for its stunning coastline and vibrant community, provided the backdrop for this scene. Parklands featuring tables, barbecues, shade structures, and beach showers surround the beach. An oceanway runs along the beach, making it a popular spot for walkers, riders, and skateboarders. Just across the road from the beach, you'll find Coolangatta's retail and commercial area, where various cafés and restaurants offer places to relax and refuel.
Visitors can fly into Gold Coast Airport, conveniently located just a few kilometers from Coolangatta Beach. It's a short drive or taxi ride to the beach. Public transport options are also available, with local bus services running regularly between the airport and Coolangatta.
The supermarket scenes in Bait
ALDI Coolangatta, Coolangatta, Queensland 4225, Australia
At the supermarket, the survivors attempt to outsmart the shark. Armed with hooks and meat, Josh (Xavier Samuel) and Tina (Sharni Vinson) try to catch the predator. However, they soon realize that the shark is only interested in live bait. In a cruel twist, Kirby (Dan Wyllie) uses Naomi (Alice Parkinson) as bait. He hooks her shirt and places her in the water, much to the displeasure of Doyle (Julian McMahon). Acting heroically, Doyle stabs Kirby, rescues Naomi and uses Kirby as the bait instead.
ALDI store in Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, provided the backdrop for this scene, despite the unnamed basement supermarket setting. Coolangatta is a beautiful coastal suburb known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community. The town has appeared in several other films, including "The Coolangatta Gold" and "Muriel's Wedding."
If you're an admirer of the film and have a desire to see this renowned filming site, Coolangatta is the place to go. The supermarket is merely a stone's throw away from the city's heart. It's just a 5-minute drive via Tweed St or a leisurely 20-minute stroll on foot. You can also explore the town and enjoy the local amenities, making it a fun and fulfilling trip.
The car park scene in Bait
Stage 5, Village Roadshow Studios, Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
While in their car, Kyle (Lincoln Lewis) and Heather (Cariba Heine) spot another great white shark. The tension mounts as the wires start to spark, threatening to electrify the water and endanger everyone's lives. Steven attempts to turn off the electricity but tragically drowns in the process. Meanwhile, the shark in the car park swims around, smashing the window and causing water to fill the car.
This gripping scene came to life at Stage 5 of Village Roadshow Studios, one of Australia's most massive film production facilities. Nestled in Queensland, the studios boast nine sound stages and have been the site of numerous productions. These include blockbuster films like Aquaman, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, House of Wax, Ghost Ship, and Thor: Ragnarok. TV productions such as H2O: Just Add Water and the Lost World series were filmed there.
While the studio's doors aren't open for public tours, the magic of filmmaking is still within your reach at the neighboring theme park run by Village Roadshow Limited. They provide an array of exhilarating rides and slides, promising a day filled with adventure and fun for all visitors.
You can reach the destination from Coolangatta in approximately 40 minutes by driving via M1. There's also the option of public transportation, with a bus available requiring a transfer at Gold Coast. Moreover, if you're starting from the Gold Coast, the journey is even shorter, just a 20-minute drive.
Conclusion
Bait, directed by Kimble Rendall, offers an engaging tale of survival against the odds in a unique setting. The movie's premise is absurd yet intriguing, trapping a group of people inside a submerged grocery store with a 12-foot Great White Shark after a freak tsunami hits a coastal Australian town.
The film's cast, including Xavier Samuel and Julian McMahon, deliver commendable performances that bring their characters to life. Their portrayal effectively captures the terror and desperation of their predicament, adding depth to the narrative.
The screenplay maintains a steady flow of tension and suspense throughout the movie. It successfully exploits the confined setting to amplify the sense of dread and impending doom. However, the story has its fair share of cliches and predictable moments that dampen the overall impact.
Bait utilizes the scenic landscapes of Queensland, Australia, for its filming locations, enhancing the overall visual experience. The contrast between the beautiful surroundings and the terror within the supermarket adds an intriguing layer to the film.
The concept of a shark thriller set in a supermarket is novel and allows for some interesting plot developments. The heavy reliance on subpar CGI results in less than convincing shark scenes and detracts from the overall believability of the film.
Despite these shortcomings, Bait manages to hold its own as a watchable popcorn flick. Its B-movie charm, coupled with the absurdity of its premise, gives it a unique appeal that sets it apart from other films in the genre. If you're a fan of shark movies or thrillers, Bait is worth giving a watch.