Gold Coast’s reputation for blockbuster movies a magnet for tourists and A-list talent

WHEN it comes to sharing the spoils and flow-on benefits of our local screen industry’s success, tourism has one of the best seats in the house.

WHEN it comes to sharing the spoils and flow-on benefits of our local screen industry’s success, tourism has one of the best seats in the house.

A Deloitte Access Economics survey estimated the screen industry as a whole generated $725 million in tourism expenditure in Australia in 2014-15.

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Approximately 230,000 international tourists visited or extended their stay in Australia as a result of viewing Australian film and TV content, according to survey results.

So how can the Gold Coast better leverage its film assets to promote tourism?

Screen queen Margot Robbie delivers a boost to tourism for the city whenever she posts images of herself enjoying a trip home to the Gold Coast. Picture: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Coast had been doing a great job of shouting its film and TV credentials to the world.

“Leveraging is happening right now,” he said.

“The Logies generated millions in selfie exposure for our city.

“When Chris Hemsworth uploads a selfie while he’s having fun at our beaches, that’s worth thousands to us so far as social exposure.

“We need to ensure these stars can continue to enjoy our city without being harassed as their word-of-mouth is invaluable.

“Luckily, Gold Coasters are pretty relaxed so when Chris, Matt Damon or other international stars visit, everyone gives them their space. Let’s keep it that way.”

Filming on San Andreas, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, at Village Roadshow Studios. Picture: Supplied Village Roadshow Studios.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa agrees.

“There are so many incredible attractions and offerings on the Gold Coast and we need to ensure that when celebrities are visiting us they are able to experience them all and share to their millions of followers on their social media platforms,” he said.

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“This is a great way for the city to really capitalise on their visit and at Movie World we saw first-hand the impact this has immediately following Taylor Swift’s visit with worldwide media coverage.

“We do need to be mindful that we treat the celebrities in a respected manner so they have a great experience and want to keep coming back.”

Images of The Shallows star Blake Lively and hit maker Taylor Swift enjoying themselves at Movie World on the Gold Coast were shared and reposted by fans around the world. Source: Instagram.

Mr Randhawa said the Coast could also benefit from a walk of fame-style attraction.

“It would be a great drawcard for the Gold Coast and I think somewhere in Surfers Paradise around Cavill Avenue would be an ideal location,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is the tourist capital of Australia and an offering like this would only further enhance our reputation and attract more visitors to the city.

“At Movie World, we do have a series of plaques around the Fountain of Fame with the names of celebrities who have visited the park which is an experience guests enjoy.”

Inside Sound Stage 9 at Village Roadshow Studios, where Aquaman and Thor: Ragnarok filmed. Picture: Supplied by Village Roadshow Studios.

Cr Tate said he wasn’t sure a Hollywood-style walk of fame was the best way to leverage film tourism here.

“It sounds OK on paper but the reality is, Hollywood has a famous walk and Gold Coasters don’t follow anyone,” he said.

“We’re different, unapologetic and we march to our own beat so I wouldn’t support a replica walk.”

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While a permanent public exhibition of movie memorabilia would also be a great addition to the city’s tourism assets, Mr Randhawa said it would be challenging to curate.

“Most sets from productions are not being designed or built for long-term, all weather usage,” he said.

Hollywood actor and great local ambassador Chris Hemsworth in Tourism Australia’s award-winning spoof film trailer for a Crocodile Dundee sequel. Picture: Supplied.

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“Something like the Hobbiton experience in New Zealand would be a wonderful fit for the Gold Coast if we chose the right location and IP.

“We are always looking at experiences and attractions to continue putting the movie into Movie World.”

While Cr Tate remains open to the idea of a movie memorabilia collection on the Coast, he said his first priority was “to help sort out a surfing museum to honour that sport and industry”.