Screen Queensland to build new studio in Cairns

State funding body Screen Queensland has pledged $6.8m towards the construction of a new studio in Cairns, at the northern end of Queensland, Australia.

Development of the new complex will see a former Bunnings warehouse converted into a state-of-art facility with a sound stage, production offices and construction facilities, as well as hair and make-up and wardrobe departments, and an events space and permanent creative tenancy opportunities.

Construction is expected to begin at the start of 2022 in preparation for a mid-2022 opening at the site located five minutes from the Cairns central business district and 13 minutes from the international airport.

This complex will compliment Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, as well as Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast, creating a state-wide studios network.

The far north of Queensland is known for its incredible landscapes including tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches and remote island oases.

Screen Queensland chief executive Kylie Munnich said: “Queensland is open for business for the screen industry, and this new studio complex in Far North Queensland adds to an impressive offering of world-class studio facilities, unbeatable locations, some of the most competitive incentives and exceptional local crew."

Queensland has enjoyed a record year of production, despite Covid, including 41 local and international productions in 2021, such as Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, Escape from Spiderhead, The Wilds season two, and True Spirit.

Currently filming at Mission Beach south of Cairns is Screen Queensland-supported Irreverent – Matchbox Pictures’ drama series for Universal Studios Group about a criminal who poses as the new church reverend in a small reef town.

Universal Studios Group’s Joe Exotic is currently in production at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, where Young Rock (Season 1) also filmed earlier in the year.

“Other recent productions for Far North Queensland include the Queensland-made hit movie This Little Love of Mine, which rated number one on Netflix in the UK, and Network Ten series Dive Club also released on Netflix – both produced by Queensland’s The Steve Jaggi Company,” adds Munnich.

“The region is also home to expert local screen businesses such as the First Nations-led Lone Star Productions, the team behind the NITV and SBS food and travel program Strait to the Plate, and cinematographers BioPixel and BioQuest who worked on David Attenborough’s Life In Colour.”