The New South Wales Government has launched a process to find a location and industry partner for Sydney’s second global film studio, backed by a $100 million public investment aimed at expanding the state’s screen production capacity.
An Expressions of Interest process opened on 9 March and will run for eight weeks, inviting proposals from businesses and consortia with experience developing and operating large studio facilities. The government is seeking a project that can deliver and operate a major studio complex with at least six sound stages within the Greater Sydney area.
The proposed facility is intended to address an ongoing shortage of production space in New South Wales. At present, the only large studio complex in the state is located at Moore Park, home to Disney Studios Australia. Industry groups have argued that limited capacity has forced some productions to film interstate or overseas.
The government says the new studio would help attract large international productions while supporting Australian projects and providing more opportunities for local crews. Screen production already contributes more than $1 billion each year to the NSW economy.
As part of the process, the government has identified three publicly owned sites that applicants may consider. These are located at Bungarribee, Eastern Creek and Prospect. Proposals using private land will also be accepted where applicants can demonstrate landowner consent.
To qualify under the main criteria, submissions must outline plans for a studio with at least six sound stages and show evidence of experience in operating screen infrastructure. Proposals will also need to remain within the government’s $100 million capital contribution and comply with the NSW Government Supplier Code of Conduct.
The government has indicated that alternative proposals outside the core scope will still be assessed through the Expressions of Interest process.
Authorities say proximity to Sydney’s existing production workforce and access to the central business district will be important factors during evaluation. These requirements were identified during earlier consultations with industry participants.
Arts Minister John Graham said the government is looking for a permanent location that can support the sector’s long-term development and provide more opportunities for productions based in New South Wales.
He noted that Sydney continues to attract international film and television projects, pointing to recent productions including Greyhound 2 starring Tom Hanks, Street Fighter and the Netflix project Apex with Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana.
Graham also pointed to demand from Indian film producers, who have frequently used Australian locations for major productions.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the investment is intended to give the industry confidence that the state will continue supporting screen production growth. He said additional studio space would create employment opportunities while helping attract global productions.
Industry figures have welcomed the proposal. Bruna Papandrea, producer and founder of Made Up Stories, said new studio infrastructure would help strengthen the sector in New South Wales and attract both Australian and international talent.
Emile Sherman, joint founder and chief executive of See-Saw Films, said more sound stages would make it easier for productions to film in Sydney. He said limited studio capacity has made it difficult to keep projects in the state.
The project forms part of the NSW Government’s Screen and Digital Games Strategy, which aims to expand production capacity and support the screen industry over the coming years. Officials say the new studio is intended to help ensure New South Wales remains a major production centre in Australia while continuing to draw international investment.
Full details of the Expressions of Interest process are available here.
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