Shadowbox Studios Set to Build Major Film Facility on the GC

The City of Gold Coast has taken a significant step towards cementing its place in the global film industry, backing US-based Shadowbox Studios as the preferred developer for a new screen production facility at Yatala.

GALLERY

Known for hosting major Hollywood productions like Godzilla: King of Monsters, Venom, and The Tomorrow War, Shadowbox is set to bring its expertise to Queensland, with the development expected to enhance the state’s growing film industry.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Shadowbox Studios has proposed constructing 10 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, a backlot, and training facilities on the 22-hectare city-owned site at 396 Stanmore Road. The agreement, once finalised, will grant a development lease, followed by a long-term operational lease, allowing the company to establish a world-class film production hub on the Gold Coast.

The project will be delivered in two phases. Phase one, expected to be operational by 2028, includes six sound stages, workshop and office spaces, and outdoor filming areas. The second phase may bring additional sound stages and office spaces to the site.

This project aligns with Queensland’s ongoing efforts to boost its local film industry, which has gained momentum in recent years. The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike indirectly contributed to the state’s growth, as more international productions looked for alternative locations. Last year, the Queensland Government committed $28 million to attract large-scale productions such as Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman, and Elvis, all of which have filmed in Queensland.

As negotiations between the council and Shadowbox Studios progress, the Gold Coast is poised to become a key player in the international film industry, further establishing itself as a sought-after destination for large-scale film productions.

Images via The Urban Developer