The Foxtel remake of the 1975 Peter Weir film used the picturesque Fraser Street as a key setting, with about 100 cast and crew calling the region home during the production. 

The road was covered in dirt and all modern signage was covered up to renew the town’s goldrush feel as stars including French actress Lola Bessis and former McLeod’s Daughters actor Jonny Pasvolsky graced the set. 

While the road was blocked off to traffic for the shoot, local businesses have been able to continue trading, with many making the most of the influx of workers and curious onlookers visiting the town. 

Co-owner of Fraser Street cafe Widow Twankey Confectionery Emporium Michael Waugh said while the shoot did cause some disruption for regular customers, it had major benefits for the whole town in the long run. 

“Even the businesses that might have suffered have been positive about it because it’s the movies which get the publicity,” Mr Waugh said.  

“We still get people who come in looking for the places where Mad Max was shot in the 1970s so it’s that ongoing return you have to look at.” 

The location has firmly been on the radar of both international and local film and television producers in recent times, with Picnic at Hanging Rock becoming the third major production set in Clunes in the last three years. 

The town which has also starred in the HBO series the The Leftovers is listed with Film Victoria, who promote the region as a potential film site. 

Cameron Ward councillor Neil Newitt said council had previously worked to ensure Fraser Street retained its historic appearance by using a particular form a bitumen for the road and had ensured no overhead power lines were installed.   

“As well as being used for period filming it’s been used as a contemporary location as well because it really has the feel of a genuine country town,” Cr Newitt said.  

“The beauty is that after filming finishes anyone who comes to Clunes will feel like they’ve stepped back 100 years.” 

Filming for the production will continue in Melbourne and the Macedon Ranges, with the finished miniseries set to make its debut later this year.