The Andrews Labor Government is setting the stage for a creative jobs boost across Victoria, with the new Sound Stage 6 at Docklands Studios now open – cementing Victoria’s reputation as a global destination for major screen production.
Increasing Docklands Studios’ capacity by 60 per cent, the new $46 million, 3,700 square metre super sound stage is already attracting more of the biggest local and international screen productions.
Accommodating epic set requirements, the new stage features a completely soundproof set and a huge 900,000-litre, 4.5-metre-deep purpose-built water tank for shooting large-scale underwater scenes.
An adjoining three-storey building houses studio operations and production offices as well as facilities, including a makeup room, green rooms and audition spaces.
The new sound stage positions Docklands Studios to meet booming global demand and has become a lightning rod for major international screen productions, including Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man – which will be the first film to start production in Sound Stage 6.
Despite the pandemic, Docklands Studios has had one of its busiest periods on record with productions, including Netflix series Clickbait, NBCU’s La Brea and the TV adaptation of Shantaram for Paramount Television.
Sci-fi thriller Foe – produced by AC Studios, I Am That and See-Saw Films for Prime Video – starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal, is currently shooting at the studios.
Sound Stage 6 complements the Labor Government’s $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy, which includes new incentives to attract major Australian and international productions, increased investment in local film, television, games and skills development programs.
Sound Stage 6 has been delivered by Docklands Studios Melbourne, Development Victoria, Creative Victoria and VicScreen.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“With some of the best production staff and talent in the world, epic shooting locations and now the addition of Sound Stage 6, Victoria is a creative beacon for the biggest film and television projects at a global scale.”
“Productions filmed here are creating thousands of local jobs, boosting local businesses, and injecting millions of dollars into our economy, this new super stage will see a significant increase to those benefits across the state.”
As stated by Docklands Studios Melbourne Chair David Hanna
“While the facility has long been at the heart of the state’s screen production sector, the opening of Sound Stage 6 will boost our fast-growing reputation as a go-to destination for international producers.”
As stated by Rachel Griffiths
“I’m so excited to see this state-of-the-art studio open in my hometown and I thank the Victorian Government for recognising the cultural and economic value of ramping up our studio capacity.”
