Screen Queensland cuts ribbon on new Portsmith studio complex
A state-of-the-art new film hub, production studio and sound stage now open in Cairns has already attracted strong interest from big name offshore production companies. See inside the new facility.
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A state-of-the-art new film hub, production studio and sound stage, now open in Cairns, has already attracted strong interest from big name offshore production companies.
The grand opening of the $12.6m Cairns studio is expected to establish the Far North as a go-to film and TV production hub expected to rival the huge success of the renowned government-owned facility on the Gold Coast.
It’s hoped the new Screen Queensland facility in Portsmith will lure high-value productions to the region to offer linkages with Brisbane and Gold Coast studios in the realising of a statewide studio network to entice producers to create film content in the Sunshine State.
On Wednesday, the 1,070m/sq sound stage, production offices, editing suites, sound recording studio, set construction and wardrobe facilities was officially opened by Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch.
Screen Queensland chief executive Jacqui Feeney said the new Cairns facility would cater to increased demand from local, national and international producers, while also ensuring that North and Far North Queensland communities reap the benefits of a thriving screen sector.
“We celebrate the culmination of the Queensland government’s investment and multi-year commitment to bolstering North Queensland’s vibrant screen industry,” she said.
“These studios aren’t just sound stages, they are incubators of creativity, empowerment, and economic growth, poised to propel Queensland’s screen sector to new heights.”
A total of $7.95m during a six-year period has been allocated by the state government for operational costs and four non-government tenancies within the complex have been leased.
Three local Cairns businesses including First Nations production company Lone Star Productions, casting agency Platinum Talent Management and AV specialists Wallfly have already moved in.
And emerging interstate business, camera and equipment providers Lemac Film & Digital will begin moving into the facility from May.
It has been a lengthy road to this week’s opening which began in 2018 when former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a disused Bunnings Warehouse site would become the new home of the Screen Queensland studios.
Cairns screen champion and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt at the opening of the new complex acknowledged a six year journey to realise his dream of a one-stop production facility in Cairns.
“Cairns and Far North Queensland has some of the best natural assets in the world, our locations have always been big business when it comes to film and television but of course it was never enough and we needed to ensure we had the physical infrastructure,” he said.
“The comments we have had about this soundstage is that it is world class, it is international standard and it means we can cater to big end productions through to smaller independent productions.
“And the flow on effects of that are very clear, we are going to have hotel bed nights, people involved with transport, security, catering, the list goes on and that’s why this is important for the sector and diversify Far North Queensland economy.
“We know there is already considerable interest coming through.”
Actor, Lone Star Productions owner and Screen Queensland board member Aaron Fa’Aoso said the opening of the facility marked the “dawn of a new era” for the Far North screen sector.
“Today, as we celebrate this significant milestone, we lay a solid foundation upon which to build a vibrant future for our industry,” he said.
“Let this be a reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, and let our shared vision inspire generations to come.”
Screen Queensland in January announced Cairns local Riannon Del Favero as the inaugural studio manager of the Far North facility.
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Originally published as Screen Queensland cuts ribbon on new Portsmith studio complex
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