Western Australian Government invests $290 million in Perth Film Studios

The Western Australian Government is investing $290 million to grow the State's screen industry with massive sound stages and workshops being erected at the Perth Film Studios site in Malaga - with approximately 60% of construction now complete.

The Project is a key part of WA's economic diversification strategy to help grow their creative industries and attract investment to Western Australia.

The WA Government’s expectation is that over the next 10 years Perth Film Studios will attract up to 10% of Australia's annual screen productions, compared to the current 1%.

When finished the studios will have a total of 8,200 square metres of interior production space within the complex that covers a 16-hectare site on Marshall Road.

The Perth Film Studios will also incorporate production offices, an art department, wardrobe, workshops, set storage, parking, and a 23,200sqm backlot - which is larger than the playing field at Optus Stadium.

The Arts and Culture Trust will be the owner of Perth Film Studios on behalf of the State Government. The Film Studios are scheduled to open early next year.

The $233.5 million project is a demonstration of the WA Government's commitment to grow the State's screen industry and a key component of its economic diversification strategy.

A further investment of $57 million will support initial operations and facilities management over the first 10 years, underpinned by an operations agreement with Perth-based company Home Fire.

Local jobs have been created through the use of local suppliers and manufacturers, including more than 1,670 tonnes of locally acquired and fabricated steel.

More than 200 people are also employed directly on the site with one-fifth of the workforce apprentices or trainees. Approximately 6% of the workforce are First Nations peoples.

WA Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk noted "Perth Film Studios will be a huge boost to WA's creative industries sector, helping our State attract talent and production investment from all over the world.

"While the WA screen production industry has already achieved some big successes, construction of the Perth Film Studios will amplify that success and help expand the industry, providing real opportunities for our talented, home-grown creative professionals to remain in Western Australia.”

Image. Perth Film Studios Artist Impression. Credit: WA Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.