Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, has been gaining global attention recently—and for all the right reasons. Set to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and named one of The New York Times‘ 52 Places to Go in 2024, Brisbane is also a celebrated backdrop for globally acclaimed productions like Bluey and Boy Swallows Universe.
The river city has been a popular choice for international blockbusters including Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Elvis and Ticket To Paradise, demonstrating its versatility and seamless ability to transform on screen.
Producers are often surprised by the diverse landscapes nestled so close to the fast-growing city and Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane facilities. Filmmakers can access a broad range of settings—from bustling cityscapes and gritty laneways to lush bushland and waterways, complete with a sunny, sub-tropical climate year-round.
Popular Filming Locations
Brisbane is home to striking historical architecture including the Old Museum, Masonic Temple and Queensland Parliament House which feature in AMC’s forthcoming series Nautilus. Brisbane City Hall, located on King George Square, was a key location in the recently filmed Mark Wahlberg feature Balls Up. Its spectacular neoclassical facade, ornate art deco foyer and grand auditorium can also be seen in international productions Ticket to Paradise, Inspector Gadget 2 and The Phantom.
“I can’t imagine making Balls Up anywhere else in the world and having the production be as successful as it was in Queensland.”
Andrew Muscato, Producer, Balls Up
Contributing to Brisbane’s ever-evolving city centre, Queens Wharf is a new US2.3 billion development, offering filmmakers modern infrastructure and scenic waterfront backdrops. Featured in Ticket to Paradise the project includes over 1,000 hotel rooms, 50 restaurants,
130,000 square feet of retail space and expansive event venues positioning Brisbane as a global tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.
Brisbane, also known by its traditional name of Meanjin, was a key element of the Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe. The production drawing on iconic city landmarks including Boggo Road Gaol (Jail), the Story Bridge and varied suburban, rural and industrial locations to authentically recreate the story’s 1980s setting.
As Queensland’s largest city, Brisbane serves as both a lively urban hub and a gateway to stunning natural locations like Moreton Bay and the Redcliffe peninsular. Petrie, a charming region in the Moreton Bay area, offers scenery from lush rainforests and rolling hills to tranquil rivers and expansive bushland. Recently featured in Acorn TV series Darby and Joan, the location captured the heart of Queensland’s subtropical charm.
Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane
Located approximately 15 minutes from the city centre and only 12 minutes from Brisbane International Airport, the air-conditioned facility offers:
- 2 sound stages – 3,000 sq metres each (32,000sq ft)
- 3 workshops and 1,100 sq metres (12,000 sq ft) of production offices
- Total lettable area 16,357 sq metres (176,065 sq ft)
Productions to have filmed at the studios include FING!, Deadloch, Love and Monsters, Young Rock and more.
“The support and infrastructure provided by Screen Queensland has been instrumental in making this film a reality. We’re shooting at Screen Queensland’s Brisbane studios and the facilities are incredible. This combined with the talent of our local crew, provides the perfect platform to create a film of international scale and quality.”
Todd Fellman, Producer, Story Bridge Films
More reasons to switch on to the sunshine state
Filming in Brisbane offers significant financial benefits through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. Available to productions with a minimum spend of AU$3.5 million, this incentive can be combined with the Australian federal government’s Location Offset, making Brisbane a cost-effective option for high-quality international projects.
With access to Queensland’s renowned pool of skilled professionals, including creatives, crew and post-production specialists, in-bound productions have access to world-class talent, a key element behind the state’s reputation as a leading production destination.
Getting to Brisbane is easy with direct flights from Los Angeles and London available daily. For international travellers, Brisbane offers an abundance of entertainment and accommodation options. The city’s newest lifestyle precinct Queens Wharf brings a range of unique entertainment options, world-class hotels, private dining, spectacular sky-high views and a state-of-the-art Event Centre to the river city.
Screen Queensland is the state government-owned screen agency for one of Australia’s leading production destinations, offering bespoke location services and competitive incentives. The Production Attraction Incentive is available to productions with a minimum spend of AU$3.5 million in the state and can be used in conjunction with the federal government’s 30% Location Offset. The 15% Post, Digital, Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive is available to projects spending a minimum AU$250,000 on qualifying PDV. Screen Queensland also offers location and scouting assistance.
For more information about Screen Queensland Studios, incentives, location services and Queensland-based post-production facilities, contact:
LOCATIONS AND INCENTIVES Naomi Wenck – Head of Production Attraction [email protected]
SCREEN QUEENSLAND STUDIOS Mark Melrose – Head of Studios and Physical Production [email protected] +61 401 965 083