In a major boost to Australia’s screen sector, more than 400 local jobs will be supported by the latest blockbuster production attracted to Australia by the Federal Government’s Location Incentive.
Announced today at Disney Studios Australia in Sydney (renamed from Fox Studios Australia, part of The Walt Disney Company’s Australian footprint), 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will receive $17 million in support from the Australian Government, and funding through Screen NSW’s Made In NSW fund.
Directed by Wes Ball, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” begins an all-new chapter in the “Planet of the Apes” saga – picking up many years after the conclusion of 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.”
“Planet of the Apes” – which follows the rise of an intelligent ape species fighting for control over Earth and its human inhabitants – is one of 20th Century Studios’ most popular and enduring franchises, amassing more than $1.7 billion worldwide.
This production will inject more than $128 million into the Australian economy, utilising the services of more than 1,000 local businesses.
Federal Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening employment and skills development opportunities for all Australian screen workers.
“I’m excited to welcome Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to Australia. This production will support jobs and give our leading digital and visual effects workers the opportunity to showcase their talents to global audiences,” Minister Burke said.
“Having a small part of the Disney universe right here in Australia is a significant boost to our local industry.
“Through our incentives, international production companies have the confidence to invest in Australia – to train our screen industry professionals, facilitate research and development in Australia, and to encourage the building of more studios. This is essential for the growth of our entire screen industry and will provide a consistent career pathway for the next generation of Australian talent and filmmakers.”
NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, said: “The decision to film this blockbuster production Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in Sydney is a testament to the value of NSW Government support and the calibre of our globally competitive NSW screen industry. Secured through Screen NSW’s Made In NSW fund, this major international production will boost our economy and create more jobs and opportunities and enhance skills development for crews and cast.”
Steve Asbell, President of 20th Century Studios, said: “‘Planet of the Apes’ is one of the most iconic and storied science fiction franchises in film history, as well as being an indelible part of our studio’s legacy. With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes we are privileged to continue the series’ tradition of imaginative, thought-provoking cinema, and can’t wait to share Wes’ extraordinary vision for this new chapter with audiences in 2024.”
To date, $412 million has been committed under the Australian Government’s Location Incentive, to attract 36 international productions to Australia. This will generate more than $3.09 billion in private investment, providing more than 22,200 employment opportunities for local cast and crew, and creating work for over 22,200 businesses that support these big productions.
