Melbourne, Australia, already a hotbed of production is set to become an even more desirable filming location with the announcement of a new super sound stage for its major studio complex, Docklands Studios Melbourne.

It has also been announced that Dick Cook Studios will set up its Asia Pacific headquarters in Melbourne with two major films already slated for production in Melbourne.

Jointly announced by the Federal Government and Victoria’s Premier, the first two projects are Ranger’s Apprentice, based on the best-selling book series by Australian author John Flanagan and The Alchemyst, the first book in the six novel series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by famed Irish author Michael Scott. These productions will inject AU$200million into the state of Victoria.

Melbourne is renowned for its world-class crews, creatives, diverse filming locations, and competitive incentives. This series of announcements cement Victoria’s reputation as a premium screen production destination.

Rod Allan, CEO of Docklands Studios Melbourne, said this infrastructure investment will increase the studio’s stage capacity by an enormous 60% allowing it to accommodate bigger international film and television productions, and greater flexibility to host multiple projects concurrently.

“Our stages are in high demand, and the new super stage will give us the capacity to cater for more high-end productions than ever before.”

Construction of the new stage, measuring 40,000 ft² (3,700 m²) approx., is expected to start in mid-2020 and be completed by late 2021. 

As with the existing five purpose-built stages which range in size from 8,000 ft² (743 m²) to 25,000 ft² (2,323 m²), the new super stage will be a state-of-the-art facility built to the highest standard.

Film Victoria CEO, Caroline Pitcher is excited about the new development saying, “The investment at Docklands Studios Melbourne is an absolute game-changer for Victoria. Melbourne is already internationally recognised as an amazing production destination and with this new sound stage, even more large-scale productions will have the opportunity to experience how great it is to film in Melbourne.”

Pitcher notes Melbourne’s rising reputation as a filming destination adding “The attraction of the Asia Pacific Headquarters of Dick Cook Studios to Melbourne and the announcement that the first two feature films will shoot at Docklands Studios Melbourne is further proof of what an extraordinary screen city Melbourne is.”

During construction, it will be business as usual in the five existing stages, with two major television series filming into 2020: the ten-part series for Apple TV+, Shantaram (Paramount Television/Anonymous Content) and the Netflix Original series Clickbait (Matchbox Pictures/Tony Ayres Productions/Heyday Television).

In recent years, Docklands Studios’ sound stages have hosted a mix of Australian and international productions, including the cult hit Preacher (Season 4); Winchester starring Helen Mirren; TV series The Leftovers (Season 3); BBC hit drama The Cry; and The Dressmaker starring Kate Winslet.

Want more information?

Docklands Studios Melbourne:

For information about the studios, contact:
Rod Allan, CEO
[email protected]
+61 3 8327 2000

Film Victoria:

For information on Victorian incentives and locations, contact:
Joe Brinkmann, Manager Production Attraction & Support
[email protected]
+61 3 9660 3255

Read Film Victoria’s media release here.