The Territory is to be a co-investor in a new state-of-the-art sound stage and virtual production studio to attract high-quality film and TV productions, build local industry capability and inject millions into the economy.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the $839,400 allocation would help diversify Canberra’s economy and was part of the Territory’s plan to grow the labour market to 250,000 local jobs by 2025.
“The development of a sound stage and virtual production studio will further boost growth in our creative industries, helping to enhance Canberra’s growing reputation in the industry,” Mr Barr said.
“Creative industries are a growth sector globally, generating three per cent of global GDP and contributing around $90.1 billion to our national economy,” he said.
“Having a local state-of-the-art sound stage and virtual effects studio right here in Canberra will enable the ACT to attract a bigger proportion of that investment into the local economy.”
Mr Barr said the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) would build and operate the facility, which would provide an opportunity for local acting, directing and film production professionals.
The Chief Minister said the project would attract high-calibre screen productions to the ACT and up-skill existing industry professionals and students in virtual production technologies.
Mr Barr said ongoing funding would be provided to Screen Canberra through the 2021/2022 Budget to assist in the attraction of screen productions to the Territory.
