Don’t try to walk to the Quad, the Lismore Regional Art Gallery or the Slate Café for a coffee – because it’s off limits to locals.

The filming crew for new Netflix comedy series 'God’s Favourite Idiot' has taken over the Quad and transformed Lismore library into St Joseph’s Hospital – and it will remain that way until Thursday.

The good news for art lovers is that tomorrow (Wednesday, April 21) you can visit the art gallery – but you will need to approach from the rear of the gallery via the Rural Street entrance.

The art gallery will be open as normal on Thursday, when filming finishes.

As the Lismore App discovered, trying to approach via the Keen Street entrance will result in a Netflix production crew member asking you to leave the site.

The new series, starring Hollywood’s Melissa McCarthy has been filmed in various locations in the Northern Rivers over the past few weeks. Last week saw the Lismore Showground used as one of the filming locations – and Spinks Park was used a few weeks ago.

Read more: Photographers capture Hollywood stars shooting TV series in Spinks Park

More films?

Last year the NSW Government added $175 million to the Made in NSW fund to support high end international film and TV productions that shoot in the NSW on the east coast.

This has provided a big incentive to movie makers, now that Covid has eased and Australia is seen as a safe haven for filming. It has been announced that a new ‘Mad Max’ movie will now be filmed place in NSW, along with Marvel’s 'Thor: Love and Thunder'.

‘God’s Favourite Idiot’ is being filmed with a $10 million grant from the Federal Government’s Location Incentive program, as well as Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. The production is expected to employ more than 300 Australian cast and crew.

This could be just the beginning of more filming in our region – and potentially some employment for locals.

Employment

While most of the production crew on ‘God’s Favourite Idiot’ has been brought in from outside the Lismore area, there are some opportunities for employment for locals on set.

One Lismore local has already been included as part of the extras cast, however, it includes a vow of secrecy about what is happening while filming is underway.

The Lismore App will keep you informed with the behind the scenes stories once the secrecy period is over.

It is expected that the series will air later in year, and we can look forward to seeing our familiar landmarks presented in a new light on screen.

Location and crew register

TV and film industry developers, Screenworks, put out a call for local people to register on the Northern Rivers Crew database last year.

They also offer a database of locations which are open for filming in the area – and you can still list your property as a potential filming location.

Read more: Lismore's roads and park close as Netflix comedy filming begins tomorrow