Hollywood of the South Pacific will be created at new Gold Coast film studios

The Glitter Strip will become the Hollywood of the South Pacific for a wave of ‘Elvis-style’ blockbusters with council closer to securing investment for new northern film studios.

The Glitter Strip will become the Hollywood of the South Pacific for a wave of Baz Luhrmann ‘Elvis-style’ blockbusters with council closer to securing investment for new northern film studios.

International and Aussie film companies are competing for a 85ha site opposite the Yatala industrial precinct, viewed as the best commercial land between the Coast and Brisbane.

The council after going to the market in March will close expressions of interest for its Screen Industry Project on June 30. A decision will be made in late September.

The council sought tenders because the existing studios were full, overseas consortiums had reached out for land and celebrated director Mr Luhrmann expressed interest in longer production stays.

A council insider said: “Baz (with Elvis) has never stayed in one place as long. He wants to keep making movies on the Gold Coast. He’s in discussion with the City on what is needed.”

The Gold Coast screen industry project. This is the site at Yatala.

A City spokesperson said councillors would be presented with a shortlist of respondents once the EOI process was completed.

“The City has met with studio developers and operators across Australia, the US and the UK as part of market sounding,” the spokesperson said.

Mayor Tom Tate has held private meetings with Mr Luhrmann to discuss future film projects.

Council bought the land known as the Enkelmann Farm for $12.8m in 2018.

A Bulletin report 12 months ago suggested secret talks between the City and an international consortium could create “the Hollywood of the South Pacific”.

The Gold Coast screen industry project. This is what can happen with the Yatala site.

The latest confidential reports, plans and available mapping reveal:

* Village Roadshow studios work at capacity and another five sound stages are needed.

* Yatala would have sound stages, a workshop, production office spaces and a backlot.

* Beyond films there could be virtual productions and a skills training centre

* The deal starts as a lease with a possible option to purchase part or the full site later.

* The eastern site, almost 30ha, could be for studios.

* The western site of more than 30has would be ideal for backlot use.

* Planned open space of almost 32ha would be set aside by the Albert River frontage.

The Gold Coast screen industry project. This is where development can occur for studios on the Yatala site.

Mayor Tom Tate said the EOI invited respondents to create a vision which includes post production, digital and virtual production capabilities along with partnerships or programs to deliver screen sector skills training.

“Depending on the film the post production could be undertaken on-site or at other Gold Coast locations,” he said.

Mr Tate would not go into details of the recent talks with the Elvis director but remains confident about a slate of big films being produced here.

“Baz Luhrmann has said the Gold Coast is a great location for film production. He would like his award-winning company Bazmark to remain on the Gold Coast to produce more blockbuster films here,” Mr Tate said.

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