Sydney to get second major film studio to end production space shortage
The long-awaited second major film studio is coming to Sydney and the NSW government is backing construction with a $100 million investment.
The Minns government is seeking an industry partner and an Expression of Interest site that will make NSW the hottest destination in the southern hemisphere to attract major projects.
Three government-owned sites in Bungarribee, Eastern Creek or Prospect have been identified to best support the construction of a world-class studio, although other Greater Sydney locations may also be on the table.
The Expression of Interest process will be open to bids from those who think they can provide critically needed display infrastructure, with the countdown starting on Monday and ending eight weeks later in May.
Those up for the challenge of operating and building the new film studio will need to meet certain requirements, including a minimum of six soundstages, keeping the location in the Greater Sydney area and following a $100 million capital budget.
Other requirements on the list include demonstrating experience in operating display infrastructure and adhering to the NSW government’s Supplier Code of Conduct.
The move comes at a time when Sydney faces a critical shortage of production space, with Disney Studios Australia at Moore Park currently the only major studio facility in the state.
But when filmmakers choose Sydney, the results speak for themselves.
Recent international projects filming in Sydney include Netflix’s 2025 action thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt filmed The Fall Guy in Moore Park in 2024.
Currently, Apple Studio’s Greyhound 2 starring Tom Hanks is in production, and this year’s Legendary Pictures and Paramount action movie Street Fighter has been in production at Moore Park since late last year.
Finance Minister Daniel Mookhey said screen manufacturing contributed “over $1 billion a year to the local NSW economy”.
“The $100 million capital fund gives the industry confidence that the NSW government is here to support and co-invest so we can continue to grow and develop a world-leading display industry,” Mr Mookhey said.
Applications will be judged against the NSW government’s objectives of strengthening industry capacity by producing international blockbusters and supporting local production, creating local jobs and ensuring NSW remains the country’s screen powerhouse.
Arts Minister John Graham said the government was “seeking a permanent home for Sydney’s second major film studio, which will support long-term growth and create new job opportunities for the industry.”
“We know the demand is there, and there is a critical need for more studio space,” he said.
Bruna Papandrea, producer and founder of Made Up Stories, which has brought local films such as The Dry (2020) with Eric Bana to the big screen, said she “couldn’t be more excited” about the prospect of new production infrastructure in NSW.
“Having shot all over the world, I truly believe there is no better place to make films and television,” Ms. Papandrea said.
“Investing in world-class studio facilities is essential if we want to attract both Australian and international talent and bring more global film production back to Australia.
“NSW offers the perfect combination of an incredible team base and a place where creatives truly want to live and work.”
Emile Sherman, co-founder and chief executive of See-Saw Films, said the additional capacity would mean “more jobs, more training and more investment from international and Australian productions”.
“The lack of studio space made it very difficult to shoot here,” Mr. Sherman said.
“I look forward to Saw Films bringing more films and television shows to Sydney.”
Full details of the Expression of Interest process are available on the Screen NSW website.
