‘Dynamic filmmaking hub’: Baz Luhrmann to build Gold Coast headquarters

Renowned director Baz Luhrmann has revealed the Gold Coast is one of the most dynamic film locations in the world as the state government offers grants to supercharge the region’s screen sector.

Baz Luhrmann’s production company, Bazmark, is set to receive a significant financial boost as part of the Queensland Government’s $5 million Capital Grants Program aimed at expanding Gold Coast screen businesses.

The initiative will support 12 small-to-medium enterprises in the region, with Bazmark among the standout beneficiaries.

The program, overseen by Screen Queensland, offers matched funding between $250,000 and $750,000 to local businesses, enhancing the capabilities of Gold Coast-based screen production companies. The funding aims to drive job creation and boost services for local, national, and international film and TV projects.

Dr Reza Adib and former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with Baz Luhrmann on the red carpet for the Elvis movie Australian premiere on the Gold Coast. Picture: Twitter

Bazmark, the award-winning production powerhouse founded by Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, will use the funds to establish new headquarters on the Gold Coast.

This move solidifies Luhrmann’s commitment to the region, building on the success of recent productions like Elvis, which was filmed extensively in Queensland.

“It has become absolutely clear to me and all of our team that the Gold Coast is one of the most dynamic and vital filmmaking hubs worldwide,” Luhrmann said.

Australian director Baz Luhrmann in his studios at Miami on the Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams

“With the support of the Capital Grants Program, we are excited to build a long-term base and facilities here that can be used by Bazmark and others into the future.”

Alongside Bazmark, local industry leaders like Cutting Edge and Myriad Studios will also expand their Gold Coast operations thanks to the funding. The Post Lounge, a Queensland-based post-production company, will open a new facility in the region, while Pinnacle Films Studios in Helensvale will upgrade its existing sound stages to meet the growing demand for high-end production services.

Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch praised the initiative, stating, “This vital funding is enabling industry-leaders like Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin to establish a long-term home for their award-winning production company Bazmark on the Gold Coast.”

“It also ensures other critical small-to-medium screen businesses can expand their offerings and provide first-rate support to local and international films and series, creating more jobs and forging new opportunities for the region’s creative community.”

Since the launch of the Queensland Government’s Production Attraction Strategy in 2015, the state’s screen sector has contributed more than $1.68 billion to the Gold Coast economy, creating over 17,000 jobs.

Australian director Baz Luhrmann.