NSW Seeks Investment for Second Major Film Studio

The New South Wales (NSW) government is actively seeking expressions of interest for investment in a second major film studio in Greater Sydney. This strategic move aims to regain NSW's position as a leader in Australian screen production.

The proposed facility in Western Sydney would require a minimum of six sound stages.

Arts Minister John Graham has stated the government's intention to further invest in the screen sector's future capabilities.

Industry Landscape: NSW's Slipping Lead

Data from Screen Australia reveals a significant shift in the national screen production landscape. NSW's film production expenditure decreased by 51% in 2024/25, reaching $832 million.

During the same period, Queensland became the national leader in expenditure, increasing by 16% to $925 million.

Local industry leaders have indicated a pressing need for an alternative to Disney Studios at Moore Park, which has predominantly hosted large international productions.

Director Jeremy Sims highlighted a key challenge: the presence of international productions has limited available space for local films and television shows. This has forced local productions to be filmed in less ideal locations, such as warehouses near train stations and under flight paths.

Sims acknowledged that international productions certainly benefit Australian crews. However, he also articulated a strong desire within the industry to produce high-concept, high-quality local television shows that operate on lower to middle-end budgets.

Claire Pullen, executive director of the Australian Writers' Guild, underscored the broader impact.

An additional studio would help ensure a consistent workflow and a talent pipeline across all facets of the industry, balancing big-budget foreign productions with smaller local content.

Western Sydney: The Future Hub?

The Minns government has already identified three government-owned sites in Western Sydney as potential locations for the studio: Bungarribee, Eastern Creek, and Prospect.

Significantly, the previous requirement for the studio to be within a 35-kilometre radius of the CBD was removed. Minister Graham explicitly stated a desire for "all bids on the table," indicating a broader search for the optimal location.

David Borger, executive director of Business Western Sydney, offered an international perspective. He commented that travel times between a central business district and studio locations have not presented obstacles for film productions in other countries, citing the UK's Pinewood Studios as a prime example.

Borger also expressed optimism for future productions, including potential Bollywood projects, in Western Sydney, highlighting the region's emerging appeal.