Queensland screen industry hits record $700m, reveals Screen Australia’s 33rd Drama Report

Queensland’s film and television industry has surged to a record-breaking $700 million in local expenditure, according to Screen Australia’s annual Drama Report.

Queensland’s film and television industry has reached a record-breaking high, cementing its reputation as a leading hub for screen productions in Australia.

Screen Australia’s 33rd annual Drama Report, released today, showed the state boasting a whopping $700 million in local expenditure for the 2022-23 financial year.

Queensland’s remarkable achievement makes it the second-highest spender nationally, trailing only New South Wales, which also set a new record with over $1.3 billion in expenditure, capturing 56 per cent of the national total.

Village Roadshow Studios, Gold Coast on set of Aquaman. Picture: Jasin Boland

However, with a 49 per cent surge from the previous year, Queensland’s growth remains noteworthy.

The Sunshine State hosted 30 per cent of all scripted feature films and series across various platforms this past financial year. This reflects a significant growth of nine per cent from its previous record in 2020-21.

Among the state’s standout productions were global sensations such as Love is in Air, which climbed to No.2 on the Netflix charts, and the much-anticipated Audrey and A Savage Christmas.

Love Is In The Air, which stars Joshua Sasse and Delta Goodrem, was filmed primarily in the Whitsundays. Picture: David Fell

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney attributed the state’s success to the Queensland Government’s continued investment in the screen sector.

“Decades of investment in our industry and infrastructure has underpinned our winning combination of competitive incentives, highly experienced crews, world-class facilities, and stunning locations,” she said.

Apart from luring international productions like Boy Swallows Universe, Wizards!, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Queensland’s post-production houses have become a global draw.

Still from 'Boy Swallows Universe' teaser trailer on the Story Bridge. Photo: Netflix.

This increased attention, coupled with a focus on local projects, has contributed to the upward national trend.

The state’s film industry is also looking forward to the upcoming $12.6 million Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns, set to open in early 2024.

The facility aims to further the benefits of Queensland’s booming screen sector to the North and Far North regions.

The new Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns is set to meet increased interest in productions in Tropical North Queensland. Picture: Cox Architecture

Current projects in the state include the production of the Australian feature How to Make Gravy, based on the iconic Paul Kelly song, and the recently wrapped Season 2 of the hit ABC TV series Troppo.

Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason commented on the national landscape, stating, “It’s fantastic to see New South Wales and Queensland continue to go from strength to strength.”

He added that while there will always be shifts in demand, the results showcase that the states are establishing themselves as top destinations for both local and foreign projects.

The annual Drama Report collates data from the industry to provide a comprehensive overview of the production of local and foreign drama titles in Australia.

These numbers were originally undervalued by Screen Australia at the time of the Drama report release, originally touted at $581 million. A correction published on November 7, 2023, revealed the actual figure to be considerably higher, emphasizing the state’s growing impact in the industry.