The New South Wales government has announced plans to establish a second major film studio in the state, aiming to attract international film and television productions. This initiative comes as recent data reveals that Queensland has surpassed NSW as Australia’s leading screen production hub. Expressions of interest for the project will open in late March, facilitating the Minns government’s commitment of $100 million towards new sound stages and production facilities.
The shift in production dominance is underscored by Screen Australia’s latest report, which indicates that Queensland captured 34 percent of national production spending in 2024-25, a significant increase from the previous year. In comparison, NSW accounted for 31 percent, followed by Victoria at 27 percent and South Australia at 3 percent. High-profile productions, including “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova” and “Voltron,” have contributed to Queensland’s rise, aided by competitive incentives and infrastructure.
The only existing production facility in NSW is Disney Studios at Moore Park, which has faced criticism for inadequate availability. Prominent industry voices, such as audio expert Wayne Pashley, have expressed concern over the lack of studio space, especially as international production costs rise in markets like the United States and the United Kingdom. Pashley highlighted the urgency of developing new sound stages, stating that many US studios want to shoot in Sydney but are hindered by the scarcity of facilities.
In a message from Screen NSW on Christmas Eve, the organization reaffirmed the urgent need for additional production space. They acknowledged reports indicating that Sydney has been missing out on significant international projects due to a lack of available sound stages. The selected partner for the new studio will need to develop it on government-owned land located within approximately 35 kilometers of the Sydney CBD, ensuring accessibility to major road networks.
The procurement process occurs alongside leadership changes at Screen NSW following the resignation of head Kyas Hepworth, the first First Nations woman to lead the agency.
Potential Locations and Community Impact
Two potential sites for the new studio are disused railway yards at North Eveleigh and a location at Sydney Olympic Park. Private consortium Distillery Capital has proposed a development at North Eveleigh that would include state-of-the-art sound studios, editing suites, rehearsal spaces, and affordable housing. The consortium’s plans could also provide a long-sought connection between the Australian Technology Park and the Carriageworks cultural precinct.
The proposal has garnered attention from local leaders, including Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, who views it as a means to address both student accommodation needs and enhance community infrastructure.
While the new studio initiative is welcomed, it seems to rule out government investment in alternative proposals for studios on the Central Coast and at Oran Park, which fall outside the preferred distance from the Sydney CBD.
As the NSW government seeks to revitalize its film and television sector, the focus remains on strengthening its position as Australia’s premier screen production destination. By providing the necessary infrastructure, the government aims to create local jobs and maintain the state’s status as an essential player in the global film industry.
