Major new studio to set up shop in Victoria
Victoria’s screen sector is now as big as its racing industry thanks largely to this mega new studio deal.
Entertainment
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Hollywood is coming to Melbourne.
Major new film and television studios are setting up shop in the state, making Victoria’s screen sector as big as its racing industry.
The Herald Sun can reveal US-founded Bento Box studio, led by producers responsible for The Simpsons and King of the Hill, will establish its first international outpost in Victoria in a massive vote of confidence in the growing local industry.
Bento Box is also responsible for the hugely popular animation series Bob’s Burgers.
Combining forces with a local production company, the new Princess Bento studio will boost jobs, talent and filmmaking resources into the region.
Film Victoria chief executive Caroline Pitcher said the state’s screen industry was now worth at least $2.2 billion, surging by 43 per cent in five years, and was set to quickly keep expanding
She said international film companies have turned their attention to the safety of Australia and its relaxed coronavirus restrictions.
“The world is looking to us as a screen entertainment partner,” Ms Pitcher said.
“That is about not just attracting Hollywood international productions … But its about Victorian talent and the fact that we have incredibly skilled crews and exceptional writers and directors.”
Visual effects production, television drama and digital games are among Victoria’s biggest strengths and also the fastest growing in terms of sales and demand.
A host of Hollywood stars have visited the state recently and more are on their way as productions continue to head south.
Upcoming Marvel blockbusters Doctor Strange 2 and Eternals will be partly developed in the state while superstar Liam Neeson was recently in Melbourne filming Blacklight.
Princess Bento director Laura Waters said the new partnership would put local talent in the spotlight and deepen international connections, including with Hollywood companies.
“They (Bento Box) are arguably the pre-eminent animation studio in the world,” she said.
“I feel like we are creating an industry.”
A new 3716sq m sound stage under construction in Docklands Studios will also massively boost production capacity, allowing more titles to be produced in Victoria each year.
The new building, the studio’s sixth stage, will include a 900,000L water tank that will allow for bigger and more complex projects to be filmed all year round.
Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said Princess Bento Studio would put Victorian made animation projects on screens around the world.
“With new screen players and a new super sound stage, Melbourne is stepping up to compete on the world arena,” he said.
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