Waterworld: Why Disney chose Gold Coast to film new Jules Verne classic Nautilus

It’s been revealed why the Gold Coast become the location for a new film series based on a classic novel under a deal signed off with entertainment giant Disney.

DISNEY chose the Gold Coast to film its new live-action drama series Nautilus due to the water tanks in the huge studios at Village Roadshow, according to film insiders.

“World class facilities are a large part of why Disney selected the Sunshine State,” a film source told the Bulletin.

“Nautilus will be a complex production requiring the construction of large-scale sets, together with heavy visual effects and a highly technical set-up for computer-generated creatures and worlds.

“Those water tanks, which you see from the pictures, is one (key) factor they decided to film at Village Roadshow.”

The Walt Disney Company had previously filmed Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in Queensland, and Thor: Ragnarök through their subsidiary Marvel Studios.

Nautilus based on the Jules Verne 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea classic novel is huge coup for the local industry because the 10-part series will offer the potential for longer term filming.

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich credits the “competitive state and federal incentives” for attracting film makers.

The Commonwealth offered $23.3 million in assistance from the Morrison Government’s highly successful $540 million Location Incentive program. The State provided incentives through its Production Attraction Strategy.

But the skilled local crews and Village Roadshow Studios’ world-class facilities were the deal breaker.

“Nautilus will be a complex production requiring the construction of large-scale sets, together with heavy visual effects and a highly technical set-up for computer-generated creatures and worlds — it’s an epic project on a large scale, scheduled to film in Queensland for many months,” Ms Munnich said.

“In addition to its sound stages, Village Roadshow Studio’s three water tanks will be critical to this production, alongside expert local crew who are particularly experienced with water work — other key factors that positioned Queensland as a stand-out candidate to bring this highly anticipated series to life.”

The main tank at Village Roadshow is the largest in a purpose built water facility in Australia at 1200sqm.

The depth ranges from 5m to 2m, and the tank itself extends in length to 40m, carrying seven million litres of water. It can be heated to 32 degrees.

An outdoor round tank, also located at the studios, is designed for underwater filming.

The other water facility, the Stage 5 tank, is fitted with a weir wall and boasts a recirculating pump which creates an artificial horizon, shown in still shots released by the studios.

Nautilus is expected to inject an estimated $96 million into Queensland’s economy and create 240 jobs for the crew along with 350 extras.

EARLIER:

THE Gold Coast will be the location for a new series based on Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, under a deal signed off with entertainment giant Disney.

The State and federal governments on Tuesday will announce Nautilus will be filmed at the Coast studios and nearby locations from early next year in what is a massive job boost for the local industry.

Developed and co-produced by Moonriver TV and Seven Stories, the live action Disney series is the latest international production lured to Australia through $23.3 million in assistance from the Morrison Government’s highly successful Location Incentive program.

The ten-part series charts the never before-told origin story of Captain Nemo and his legendary submarine The Nautilus.

One of Walt Disney’s earliest action films, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea in 1954 was a family classic, featuring James Mason and a memorable squid scene. In the past four years there has been increasing speculation about reviving the underwater adventure.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told the Bulletin: “The production Nautilus will inject an estimated $96 million into Queensland’s economy and create approximately 240 jobs for our highly skilled local cast and crew, plus 350 extras.”

Securing big budget productions through the State’s Production Attraction Strategy was a critical part of the government’s economic recovery plan, she said.

“With the series set to release to a massive global audience of Disney and sci-fi fans, via the enormously popular streaming platform Disney+, the potential for multiple seasons is a particularly exciting prospect for our local screen workforce,” the Premier said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk — Nautilus will be a huge boost to Coast film industry.: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Federal Communication and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher predicted even bigger economic benefits, estimating the production would generate more than $172 million of local business.

“Nautilus will directly create more than 290 jobs for Australian cast and crew, more than 2200 extras roles, and use the services of an estimated 200 businesses across the country when they begin filming early next year,” Mr Fletcher said.

The Government’s $540 million Location Incentive program had already attracted Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives and Ticket to Paradise starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, he added.

Federal Minister for Communications and the Arts Paul Fletcher — Commonwealth incentives helped secured Nautilus. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said the competitive state and federal incentives, combined with a skilled local crew and Village Roadshow Studios’ world-class facilities led to Disney selecting the Coast.

“Nautilus will be a complex production requiring the construction of large-scale sets, together with heavy visual effects and a highly technical set-up for computer-generated creatures and worlds — it’s an epic project on a large scale, scheduled to film in Queensland for many months,” Ms Munnich said.

Village Roadshow Studios outdoor tank during filming on The Shallows Picture: Supplied courtesy Village Roadshow Studios.

“In addition to its sound stages, Village Roadshow Studio’s three water tanks will be critical to this production, alongside expert local crew who are particularly experienced with water work — other key factors that positioned Queensland as a stand-out candidate to bring this highly anticipated series to life.”

Nautilus is written and executive produced by James Dormer (Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands). The other executive producer is Johanna Devereaux for Disney.

Devereaux said Jules Verne’s story was a beloved classic all around the world.

“It’s a huge privilege to bring the Nautilus and her crew to life again in such a bold, exciting way, with a diverse team of creative talent and on-screen characters. The series will be breathtaking, action-packed, and a huge amount of fun,” Devereaux said.

For the first time ever, Nautilus tells Verne’s story from Nemo’s point of view: an Indian Prince robbed of his birthright and family, a prisoner of the East India Company and a man bent on revenge against the forces which have taken everything from him.

But once Nemo sets sail with his ragtag crew on board the awe-inspiring The Nautilus, he not only battles with his enemy, but he also discovers a magical underwater world, learns to take his place as leader of the crew, and goes on an unforgettable adventure beneath the sea.

Originally published as Waterworld: Why Disney chose Gold Coast to film new Jules Verne classic Nautilus