Dreamworld Studios
| Company type | Venue |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production, Entertainment |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Demolished for Steel Taipan attraction |
| Headquarters | Gold Coast , Australia |
| Products | Live broadcasts of Big Brother Australia, temporary entertainment shows |
Dreamworld Studios was a venue equipped with production amenities located within the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast, Australia. It gained recognition as the site for the live broadcasts of Big Brother Australia. In 2019, both the studio and the Big Brother house were dismantled to make room for the Steel Taipan attraction.
History
The facility originally opened in 1986 under the name Music Bowl. Around 1990, it was rebranded as the Dreamworld Amphitheatre, and later, in 2001, it adopted the name Dreamworld Studios coinciding with the commencement of Big Brother Australia’s production. The structure was torn down in August 2019 to facilitate a new theme park development. Prior to its demolition, photographs of the deserted location circulated online, which led to unauthorized access and vandalism. Subsequently, four minors faced arson charges following a fire incident at the abandoned house.
Big Brother
The primary function of Dreamworld Studios was to support the filming of Big Brother Australia. The adjacent Big Brother house allowed for live show broadcasts within the auditorium. Production took place from 2001 until 2008 under Network Ten and resumed from 2012 through 2014 for the Nine Network.
Temporary use
During periods when Big Brother was not airing, Dreamworld Studios served as a venue for various temporary entertainment offerings. In 2004, it hosted Believe in Dreams, an illusion performance featuring John Taylor.
In 2006, enhancements were made to the studios’ games section to accommodate Big Brother Friday Night Live along with its derivative program, 'Friday Night Games'.
Between December 2009 and January 2010, the amphitheatre presented MTV Plugs Into Dreamworld, a live summer holiday show combining music, dance, stunts, and game show elements.
Present day
Currently, much of the former site functions as storage. A portion is allocated to the Steel Taipan roller coaster installation, and it also stores the original Baldwin steam locomotive used by the Dreamworld Express. All live productions have relocated to Ocean Parade (Dreamworld), specifically at either the Dreamworld Exhibition Centre or on the grounds previously occupied by Thunderbolt.