Domestic production, priority for Docklands
Domestic productions are becoming increasingly important for Docklands Studios Melbourne, at a time when Australia is failing to attract big international projects.
“Our commitment remains to both domestic and international productions, but the reality is that we are picking up more domestic production and we are catering for a domestic market,” CEO Rod Allan told Encore.
“In this climate, it’s important that we look after domestic clients. In fact, that is always important… but we will go after international clients as well,” he said.
This domestic focus has resulted in a new contract with the Nine Network, which will base its Melbourne production at Docklands Studios. The announcement was made on Monday by CEO David Gyngell and executive director Jeff Browne.
“It’s a win-win for us and GTV9; it means there will be more production at the studio and it means that GTV9’s local audience-based programming will remain in Melbourne,” said Allan.
“GTV9 needed a stage large enough to house productions like The Footy Show and Millionaire Hot Seat, so they will occupy stage 4 for a year before re-locating to the smallest stage, number 5, when the upgrade is completed. The improvements to stage 5 will allow us to facilitate fast-turnaround programs and will enable us to cater for more than one client in any given week,” he added.
The studios recently changed their name from Melbourne Central City Studios to, simply, Docklands Studios Melbourne. Allan says the studios had been known as Docklands Studios for a long time and there “had been confusion overseas with the name”, so the change has been received positively by the Australian and international screen industries.
The change followed the Victorian Government’s $10m investment to upgrade the studios as part of its Future Directions Project, with funding for site and workshop improvements as well as a feasibility study into building a horizon tank.
“In addition to the upgrades to stage 5 and the workshop building, there’s also some site improvement, external works that need to be done, such reconfiguring the entrance roads into the studio.
“The ongoing development of the entire Docklands energises the whole district, and it’s becoming a more vibrant area. “
