Racing Victoria, the Victorian Government and Tabcorp have announced their official partnership with the Michelle Payne biopic, Ride Like A Girl, which will mark acclaimed actress Rachel Griffiths’ directorial debut.

Payne and Griffiths were joined at the Ballarat Turf Club by Prince of Penzance, the horse Payne rode at odds of 100/1 to win the 2015 Melbourne Cup, to officially announce the partnership and confirm that filming will commence on April 16.

Payne’s home town of Ballarat will play a central role in the production of the movie with confirmation that a five-day shoot will take place from May 7.

Payne’s brother and Prince of Penzance’s strapper Stevie Payne will play himself in the film.

Joining Griffiths and the Paynes in unveiling the partnership were Richard Keddie, producer of Ride Like A Girl; Martin Pakula, Minister for Racing; Jaala Pulford, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development; Giles Thompson, RV Chief Executive; and David Attenborough, Tabcorp Chief Executive.

Under the partnership, RV, the Victorian Government and Tabcorp will be actively involved in the development and promotion of Ride Like A Girl, with each providing significant support and investment.

The film has already secured domestic and international distribution partners in Village Roadshow and Embankment.

Giles Thompson said the film will be beneficial for all parties, carrying the story of Victorian thoroughbred racing and a defining moment in its history to a worldwide audience.

Thompson also noted that a number of Victorian race clubs are providing in-kind support for the movie.

With filming due to take place in rural locations such as Ballarat, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield and Hanging Rock, regional Victoria is set to benefit from a share of the film’s projected $14 million injection into the state’s economy.

Ride Like A Girl is just one of many upcoming feature films which have received support from the Victorian Government through Film Victoria, showcasing Victoria’s diverse range of talent, locations, facilities and associated screen business services.

Screen Australia has provided script funding to Ride Like A Girl through its Gender Matters policy, an Australian initiative to promote female filmmakers and stories with a female protagonist.