A new giant sound stage and a partnership with Hollywood leader Dick Cook will supercharge Victoria’s screen industry, injecting millions of dollars into the economy and supporting hundreds of new jobs.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Dick Cook at Docklands Studios Melbourne (DSM) today to announce the construction of a new $46 million sound stage. At 3,700sqm, it will be one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, allowing the studios to attract and host large-scale blockbuster productions while still providing world-class facilities for smaller TV and film projects.
The Premier also announced that international production company Dick Cook Studios (DCS) would establish its Asia-Pacific base at DSM, headed by Melbourne-born Managing Director Kate McLean.
Founded by former Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook in 2015, DCS has a pipeline of major family-focused projects in development – production will start next year on a film based on adventure book series Ranger’s Apprentice by Australian author John Flanagan.
Also set for production is The Alchemyst, based on the series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by famed Irish author Michael Scott. These DCS projects will each inject more than $100 million into Victoria and employ more than 1,500 local people in roles ranging from crew to construction, security and transport services.
In 2018-19 screen projects supported by the Andrews Labor Government generated $251 million and supported more than 8,300 local jobs.
Construction of Docklands Studios’ super sound stage is expected to be completed by late 2021. The five existing sound stages will remain operational while the project is under way.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our new super sound stage combined with the arrival of Dick Cook Studios secures a pipeline of major screen projects and ongoing jobs in Victoria.”
“This is a coup for our industry and reflects the global reputation of our facilities, locations and talent.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“The global screen industry is growing rapidly and this investment will ensure that Victoria’s screen industry helps set that pace, providing employment and skills and training for our local practitioners.”
Quotes attributable to Dick Cook Studios chairman Dick Cook
“I am thrilled to have a permanent hub at one of the industry’s most forward-looking facilities – Docklands Studios. It will be home to many amazing productions that we are excited to get started.”
“We chose Melbourne because of the State Government’s commitment to and support of the arts, not to mention Australia’s fantastic talent pool from directors, cinematographers and musicians to editors and special effects experts and beyond.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020