Docklands Studios Melbourne
| Company type | Government-owned corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film and television production |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Key people | Antony Tulloch (CEO since 2022) |
| Products | Film and television production facilities |
| Owner | Victorian Government |
Docklands Studios Melbourne stands as a significant film and television production hub situated within Melbourne’s revitalized Docklands area, roughly from the Central Business District. Established in 2004, its core mission is to bolster Victoria’s screen industry and draw both domestic and global productions.
It ranks among Australia's three principal studios, alongside Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast and Disney Studios Australia in Sydney. The facility underwent expansion with the addition of a new super stage (Stage 6) completed in early 2022, which is recognized as one of the largest stages in the Southern Hemisphere.
Background
The concept of establishing a major studio complex in Melbourne took shape in the late 1990s, driven by concerns that Sydney and the Gold Coast were eclipsing Melbourne’s media sector. The objectives included showcasing Melbourne’s sophistication and international aspirations, increasing production capabilities, and fulfilling the needs of local industry stakeholders. At that period, Melbourne had only smaller sound stages and lacked a large-scale, modern studio facility.
Construction and early years
Groundbreaking for the studio complex commenced in 2003 on land allocated by the Victorian Government within the Docklands precinct. The project was a collaboration between the Victorian Government and a private consortium known as Central City Studio Holdings. When it opened in April 2004 under the name Melbourne Central City Studios, it hosted the Australian film Hating Alison Ashley during its inaugural year.
In 2005, the American-financed production Ghost Rider, with an estimated budget of approximately million, marked the first significant international project and became Victoria’s largest feature film at that time. Nevertheless, international productions initially did not meet projections, partially due to volatility in the Australian dollar.
2008 upgrade
By 2008, the private consortium exited the partnership, leading to full ownership by the Victorian Government, which invested A$10 million into upgrading infrastructure. Following this transition, the complex was renamed Docklands Studios Melbourne, reflecting its prevalent usage.
2020s expansion
In October 2019, plans were unveiled by the Victorian Government to construct a $46 million super stage aimed at attracting substantial international productions. This new facility officially opened on 26 March 2022 and was promptly utilized for Better Man, a Robbie Williams biographical film slated for release in late 2024.
In April 2022, Docklands Studios was selected to host Victoria’s largest screen production to date: NBC Universal’s television adaptation of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. However, filming was permanently discontinued in June 2023 due to escalating expenses and uncertainties associated with the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
Throughout 2024, prominent projects filmed at the studio included Netflix’s The Survivors, Sony Pictures’ Beneath the Storm, Netflix's War Machine, and Peacock’s All Her Fault. Additionally, smaller-scale productions such as Together and Saccharine were also shot on-site.
Since 2022, Antony Tulloch has held the position of CEO at Docklands Studios Melbourne, bringing extensive experience in film industry leadership.
Facilities
The studio complex comprises six sound stages covering nearly , along with numerous production offices, a workshop featuring multiple bays, and parking accommodations for more than 650 vehicles. The stages vary in size from . These amenities cater to a wide array of productions, including feature films, television dramas, audience-driven TV programs, commercials, music videos, and corporate functions. Among the stages, two are equipped with expansive LED volume screens managed by NantStudios.
Feature films and television dramas
Highlighted notable projects by their release year include:
- Hating Alison Ashley (2005)
- Charlotte's Web (2006)
- Ghost Rider (2007)
- Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
- Knowing (2009)
- The Pacific (2010)
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
- Winners and Losers (2011–2016)
- Killer Elite (2011)
- Jack Irish (2012/2016/2020)
- Predestination (2014)
- The Dressmaker (2015)
- Oddball (2015)
- Lion (2016 – served as production base only)
- The Leftovers (2017)
- Berlin Syndrome (2017)
- Winchester (2018)
- Upgrade (2018)
- Preacher (2019)
- Shantaram (2021)
- La Brea (2021–2023)
- The King's Daughter (2022)
Scheduled future productions include Better Man, Together, The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and War Machine, all planned for release between 2024 and 2025.
Current
Current productions underway include:
- The 1% Club (Seven Network, 2023–present)
- Deal or No Deal (Network 10, starting 2024)
- Tipping Point Australia (Nine Network, commencing 2024)
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (broadcast on Nine Network and Network 10 during various years including 2025)
Ongoing
- Racing.com
Past
Prominent past productions encompass:
- The Rich List, 1 vs. 100, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, MasterChef Australia, Dancing With the Stars, and The Masked Singer.