Perth Film Studios Fully Opens, Boosting WA Screen Sector
Synopsis
Western Australia now has its own sound stages with the $290.5 million Perth Film Studios officially opening this week. This world-class complex, complete with the southern hemisphere’s largest backlot and state-of-the-art sound stages, becomes fully operational next month. Intended to diversify the state’s economy and provide thousands of new jobs for creative workers, talk about potential collaborations with streaming titans like Netflix already surrounds the studios. As the cornerstone of WA’s new screen strategy, it heralds an exciting new era for film production in Perth.
Western Australia is ready for its close-up, officially. The $290.5 million state-of-the-art film studio has been finished, prompting a momentous milestone for the local creative industry. Sited in Malaga, minutes away from the CBD, the facilities are expected to attract the world’s largest film actors and companies to WA. While full-scale operations start next month, anticipation among the industry’s insiders is already palpable.
There are no official projects in place for the launch, but there is strong industry speculation that Netflix could be one of the first high-end clients utilising the studios. The streaming giant is believed to be building an original series in the area. For blockbusters or indie darlings, the studios are designed to accommodate productions of all shapes and sizes.
Boosting Western Australia’s Economy
The state government funded the project as part of a key move toward diversifying the economy away from mining and agriculture. The government’s heavy investment in the arts is intended to lure hundreds of millions of dollars in spending not only from local filmmakers but also from international ones. Home Fire will run the studios for at least another decade, with $57 million in continuing government support to make sure they stay world-class.
“The development of the new facility will ensure Western Australia continues to lead in arts practice, policy and innovation and cement Perth as a major player on the world creative stage,” Premier Roger Cook said. The complex is set to see Western Australia vie with cities like Sydney, London, and Los Angeles for international film projects. The studios are likely to provide a steady stream of business for local industries, from hotels and catering to transport and construction.
Building the Future of the Screen Industry
This project is not just about buildings, it’s about people and opportunity. Western Australia’s screen industry is now set for boom times, tipped to create thousands of new jobs across the board. The studios feature four huge sound stages, along with extensive workshops for set construction and the largest backlot in the southern hemisphere, a 23,200-square-meter outdoor area where entire cities or alien worlds can be recreated.
Commenting on the new job opportunities that will result from its establishment, Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk stressed: “This means new career options for many people. It’s not just actors and directors, the studios will also require camera operators, costume designers, set builders, and lighting technicians. Hair, makeup, laundry, and a private screening theatre will all be part of the dedicated spaces for each production responsibility.”
With local talent offered a world-class base to work from, Western Australia is ensuring that creative professionals can flourish, and they never need to leave home.
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