The NSW Government has begun the search for a site to build Sydney’s second global film studio, opening Expressions of Interest to industry partners as it moves to expand the state’s screen production capacity.
The proposed studio is intended to complement Disney Studios Australia at Moore Park, with the government committing up to $100 million toward the development.
The project forms part of the state’s three-year NSW Screen & Digital Games Strategy, which aims to strengthen local infrastructure and ensure New South Wales can compete for large-scale international productions.
Under the plan, the government will partner with industry to identify and develop a suitable location capable of hosting major film and television projects.
As the only major film studio in Greater Sydney, Disney Studios Australia has attracted some of the largest and most iconic international feature films ever produced, including Mission Impossible 2, Moulin Rouge!, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Great Gatsby, Peter Rabbit, The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Apex, and many more.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North © Prime Video. Supplied by Screen NSW
The EOI will be open to proposals on both private and government-owned land. To support the process, three government-owned sites in Western Sydney (Bungarribee, Eastern Creek, and Prospect) have been identified for respondents to consider when preparing a proposal.
EOI submissions will be evaluated against the NSW Government’s objectives to strengthen capacity, attract international blockbusters, support local production, create local jobs, and ensure NSW remains the nation’s screen powerhouse.
The EOI process will be open to proposals from those who think they can deliver the critically needed screen infrastructure, including at least six sound stages. It will close in May, after which it will be evaluated and considered by the NSW Government.
Yesterday, Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said Western Sydney is “well placed” to support the continued growth of Australia’s screen industry.
“Western Sydney is alive with creativity. Our young and diverse population represents a powerful pipeline of talent and new opportunities for Australia’s screen industry,” he said. “We have the space, with large-scale productions requiring space for sound stages, workshops and backlots, Western Sydney has the scale and infrastructure needed for projects of that size. It makes sense.”
Main image: Anyone But You © Sony Pictures. Supplied by Screen NSW