Written by on Sep 2, 2015. Posted in On Location

Queensland secures new US film and plans extra stage to boost production

New US thriller The Shallows will be among the latest international features to shoot in Queensland. The announcement comes days after plans were unveiled for an extra stage facility for the Gold Coast area, which has recently hosted Unbroken and San Andreas.

The Shallows is being produced by Columbia Pictures and will be filmed at Village Roadshow Studios near Gold Coast, and on location throughout Queensland.

“They will have the opportunity to make the most of our world-class facilities including the purpose-built water tank (the largest in Australia), and our world-class crews and cast,” said Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Added Tracey Vieira, chief executive of Screen Queensland: “Queensland has long been known for its filmmaking capabilities but now the state is really being showcased on the screen globally through international productions filming here.

“This will ensure that the legacy of The Shallows lives long beyond the physical production and attracts more international production to our shores.”

Village Roadshow’s new stage is set to span 4,000 square metres and will first be used as a venue for the Commonwealth Games in 2018, before being converted into a production facility.

“The super stage will be adapted to host the squash competition at Games-time and will provide an extraordinary legacy and significant economic benefit to Queensland creating jobs in the film and television industry in the lead up to and for many years,” commented Kate Jones, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games.

Just four international features spent AUD 113 million in Queensland in 2014-15, according to government figures.