Forward works on Western Australia’s film studio, expected to cost almost $22 million, are scheduled to start later this month.
Forward works on Western Australia’s film studio, expected to cost almost $22 million, are scheduled to start later this month.
The state government today announced forward works will begin at the project site on Marshall Road in Malaga.
The total forward works project costs were valued at $21.94 million, according to the state government.
Works will include site establishment, surveying, fill, bulk earthworks and drainage and are expected to be completed by late next year.
Adrian Fini-led Home Fire Creative Industries was selected to deliver the $105 million screen production facility through the state government’s market-led proposal process.
The proposed development comprises four sound stages, production offices, an art department and wardrobe, workshops, a backlot, parking and set storage.
Home Fire initially proposed to build the film studio at E-Shed in Fremantle but withdrew the concept when Malaga emerged as the preferred site for the project.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the works put the state in a stronger position to attract national and international film and TV projects.
“The studio will have the potential to generate significant employment throughout its operations, plus other benefits from attracting more people into WA for accommodation providers, hospitality and transport,” he said.
The $105 million screen production facility was a 2021 state government election commitment.
The state government launched its $20 million WA Production Attraction Incentive in August 2022 to complement the upcoming facility.
Under the incentive, the state government offers funding of a minimum of 10 per cent of the project's qualifying WA expenditure.
Premier Roger Cook said the state has seen a return on the investment, with filming of major productions in Western Australia creating local jobs.
This includes the second season of Australian TV series The Twelve, starring Sam Neill, which was filmed entirely in WA.
Other productions to be filmed in the state include Zak Hilditch’s horror film We Bury the Dead starring Daisy Ridley of Star Wars sequel-fame and The Surfer starring Nicolas Cage, which is in production.
The Production Attraction Incentive is being administered by Screenwest.
