$46m sound stage to attract international productions

Docklands is set to become the “go-to destination” for international filmmakers after a new $46 million “super” sound stage at Docklands Studios was unveiled.

Sound Stage 6, which features a 900,000-litre, 4.5-metre-deep purpose-built water tank for shooting large-scale underwater scenes, officially opened on March 26.

The new stage is around 3700 square metres – almost the size of three Olympic swimming pools – and set to create a huge boost in creative jobs and attracting local and international screen productions.

Positioned at Docklands Drive, Sound Stage 6 was funded by the state government through its $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy, a major investment in local film, television, games, and skills development programs.

Sci-fi thriller Foe, which stars Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal, is currently shooting at the studios while Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man will be the first film to start production at the facility.

Docklands Studios has experienced “one of its busiest periods” despite the challenges of the pandemic with the Netflix series Clickbait, NBCU’s La Brea and the TV adaptation of Shantaram for Paramount Television having been recorded.

Australian actress Rachel Griffiths who is renowned for her role in Muriel’s Wedding said she was “so excited” to see the 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.”

City of Melbourne councillor Jamal Hakim said the studios were “shaping to be a clear powerhouse” with the new sound stage would be huge for the local economy.

“It is an investment in new jobs in Docklands and in the film industry. I can’t wait to see what productions come out of Docklands,” he said.

“Docklands is one of our family-friendly neighbourhoods, with so much entertainment and safe access to the water so it’s a fantastic location for film, music, and technology.”

Docklands Studios chair David Hanna said the opening of Sound Stage 6 would “boost our fast-growing reputation as a go-to destination for international producers.”

Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said the new stage would see a “significant increase” into injecting millions of dollars into the economy and creating thousands of local jobs  •