Sydney to get second major film studio to end production space shortage

A long awaited second major film studio is coming to Sydney with the NSW government backing the build with a $100m investment.

The Minns government is on the hunt for an industry partner and a location with an Expression of Interest to cement NSW as the hottest place to film major projects in the southern hemisphere.

To best support the making of the world class studio, three government-owned sites – in Bungarribee, Eastern Creek or Prospect – have been identified, but other Greater Sydney locations could be on the table.

The Expression of Interest process will be open to proposals for those who think they can deliver the critically needed screen infrastructure, with the countdown starting from Monday and ending eight weeks later in May.

Those up for the challenge to operate and build the new film studio will have to fulfil certain requirements, such as six sound stages minimum, keeping the location to the Greater Sydney area and staying on track with the investment budget of $100m.

Other requirements to tick off the list include showing experience in operating screen infrastructure and sticking to the NSW government’s Supplier Code of Conduct.

The move comes as Sydney faces a critical shortage of production space, with Disney Studios Australia at Moore Park currently the only major studio facility in the state.

But when filmmakers do choose Sydney, the results speak for themselves.

Recent international projects shot in Sydney include Netflix’s 2025 action thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana.

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt filmed The Fall Guy in 2024 at Moore Park.

At the moment, Apple Studio’s Greyhound 2 with Tom Hanks is currently in production and this year’s Legendary Pictures and Paramount’s action film Street Fighter, has been in production since late last year in Moore Park.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said screen production contributed “over $1bn per year to the local NSW economy”.

“The $100m capital fund gives industry confidence the NSW government is here to support and co-invest, so we can continue to grow and develop a world-leading screen industry,” Mr Mookhey said.

Submissions will be evaluated against the NSW government’s objectives to strengthen industry capacity by attracting international blockbusters and supporting local production, create local jobs, and ensure NSW remains the nation’s screen powerhouse.

Arts Minister John Graham said the government was hunting for “a permanent home for a second major film studio in Sydney, a location that will support long-term growth and create new job opportunities for the sector.”

“We know the demand is there, and there’s a critical need for more studio space,” he said.

Producer and Founder of Made Up Stories, Bruna Papandrea, who brought home grown films like The Dry (2020) with Eric Bana to the screen, said she “couldn’t be more excited” about the prospect of new production infrastructure in NSW.

“Having filmed all over the world, I truly believe there’s no better place to make film and television,” Ms Papandrea said.

“If we want to attract both Australian and international talent and bring more global filmmaking back to Australia, investing in world-class studio facilities is essential.

“NSW offers the perfect combination of an incredible crew base and a place where creatives genuinely want to live and work.”

Emile Sherman, joint founder and chief executive of See-Saw Films, said the additional capacity would mean “more jobs, more training and more investment from international and Australian productions”.

“The lack of studio space has made it very challenging to shoot here,” Mr Sherman said.

“I’m looking forward to See-Saw Films bringing more films and television shows home to Sydney.”

Full details on the Expression of Interest process are available on the Screen NSW website.