These vacant railway yards at Redfern could be our next mega film studios
Market soundings for potential screen studio locations were concluded last month to identify suitable sites and viable options for screen infrastructure and production spaces.
The government's $100 million investment will be subject to business case approval and probably focus on a second studio proposal for Redfern, Oran Park in south-west Sydney and potentially another slated for Silverwater.
Celebrated Australian director George Miller said the key was finding the right location for the new studios – close to existing infrastructure such as transport, post-production facilities, a back lot and even places to eat.
The commitment to a second film studio comes after US President Donald Trump last month announced a 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. NSW Arts Minister John Graham said on Sunday that such a move would be 'self-defeating'.
'If the US is going to go down this path, it would not only damage activity here in NSW, it'd damage it in Hollywood,' he said.
'But it's a matter for them. We're monitoring developments closely, [but] standing up for the industry here in NSW.'
The budget commitment was welcomed by Business Sydney's executive director Paul Nicolaou, who said it was a timely response to a pressing need to bolster the state's infrastructure and maintain its competitive edge in the international film and screen industry.
The proposed sites near Eveleigh rail yards in Redfern and another at Silverwater presented strategic opportunities for expansion.
'Eveleigh's rich industrial heritage offers a unique backdrop that could be revitalised to blend historical significance with modern cinematic infrastructure,' he said. 'Silverwater's strategic location and existing infrastructure make it an ideal candidate for such development.
'These locations could significantly enhance Sydney's capacity to host large-scale productions, attracting international projects and stimulating local economic growth.'
Matt Levinson, culture policy lead at Committee for Sydney, said the lack of an adequate sound stage and base for film production had hobbled Sydney's potential.
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'We strongly support the government's move to invest in this area and the work they're doing to get the policy settings right,' Levinson said.
'On the face of it, North Eveleigh is the perfect location – close to transport links for workers and logistics, plenty of space and deeply embedded among the many hundreds of tech, media and creative production businesses around Central.
'Wherever it lands, what's needed is a space that can unlock the tremendous potential across our city's film, screen and gaming sectors and those local producers need to be leading the charge.
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