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NSW Government Seeks Proposals for Second Major Film Studio to Expand Production Capacity

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NSW Seeks Proposals for $100 Million Film Studio

The New South Wales government is seeking expressions of interest for a second major film studio to be built within 100 kilometers of Sydney, with $100 million in state funding allocated for the project. The initiative aims to supplement the existing Disney Studios facility at Moore Park and expand the state's screen production infrastructure. Proposals are due in May.

Project Overview and Funding

The state government has committed $100 million to partner with the private sector to deliver a new studio facility. The core requirement is a minimum of six sound stages.

The initial requirement for the studio to be within a 35-kilometer radius of Sydney's CBD has been removed, with Arts Minister John Graham stating the government wants "all bids on the table."

Proposed Locations

Multiple locations have been proposed or identified as potential sites for the development:

  • Western Sydney: The government has identified three government-owned sites as potential locations: Bungarribee, Eastern Creek, and Prospect.
  • Illawarra Region: The Illawarra, specifically Port Kembla, has been proposed as a location. Screen Illawarra, a volunteer-run organization, advocated for the location criteria to be extended to 100 kilometers from Sydney's CBD, making Wollongong eligible. BlueScope is redeveloping 200 hectares of surplus land in Port Kembla as part of its Land Transformation Precinct.

Industry Context and Rationale

Data from Screen Australia indicates NSW's film production expenditure was $832 million in 2024/25, a decrease of 51% from the previous period. During the same timeframe, Queensland's expenditure increased by 16% to $925 million.

Industry figures have cited a need for additional studio space. Director Jeremy Sims noted that large international productions at Disney Studios have limited availability for local films and television shows, which he said has led to some local productions being filmed in alternative locations like warehouses.

Claire Pullen, executive director of the Australian Writers' Guild, stated an additional studio could help ensure a consistent workflow and talent pipeline, balancing large foreign productions with local content.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Positions

Screen Illawarra and Wollongong Advocacy

Screen Illawarra has lobbied for a studio on BlueScope land in Port Kembla for 18 months. Wollongong councillor Ann Martin and the organization argue it would create jobs and reshape the area's future.

Producer Ian Collie stated Wollongong offers diverse physical environments and cost-saving proximity to Sydney.

The group organized a familiarization tour for major production companies 16 months ago.

BlueScope's Position

Michael Yiend, BlueScope's head of property development, stated the company has not received a proposal from a film company and will not be submitting a bid for the studio. Yiend said BlueScope remains open to receiving detailed proposals for commercially viable opportunities for its land. A film studio was flagged as a redevelopment option during a BlueScope community briefing in 2023.

Western Sydney Perspective

David Borger, executive director of Business Western Sydney, commented that travel times between a CBD and studio locations have not been an obstacle in other countries, citing the UK's Pinewood Studios. He expressed optimism for future productions, including potential Bollywood projects, in Western Sydney.