Film, Movies and the Broken Hill Film Studio

Enterprise


Broken Hill Film Studio

In March 2011 Broken Hill's $2.3 million dollar film studio was opened.  What a great idea.  It involved converting the former Eyre Street Power Station into this impressive new piece of the City's infrastructure.  Marketing of the venue has followed with the aim of enticing film producers to use the venue for their movie ventures.  But the space will also be available for other activities and projects such as events, exhibitions, education, installation artworks.  I'm sure the list could go on.

In the future, it is hoped that another $9 million dollars will be raised so as to create a multifunctional studio development across the whole power station site.

Since its opening and with little usage, Broken Hill City Council (Council) engaged consultants at a cost of around $100,000 to put together a prospectus which asked for submissions from businesses to develop the studio precinct.  By the closing date in mid 2012, Council was pleased to receive five responses which they are now considering.

As well as being financially viable proposals, the ultimate aim is to attract tourists to Broken Hill.

Me with the famous Mad Max II vehicle at Silverton

Council originally had hoped to bring back a Mad Max film crew for the next, 4th, Mad Max movie Fury Road to use the studio, but with recent rains ending dry conditions, the area was deemed too green by director George Miller.  The area no longer provided the beautiful orange/red dirt/desert "look" sought as a back-drop for filming.  The film will now be shot in the Rebublic of Namibia.  The loss was a blow to the studio venture, however, Broken Hill Mayor Wincen Cuy was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald in August last year saying that the loss would "affect the community as a whole ... losing potential marketing associated with that film."  He went on to say that "Broken Hill's had a film industry for 30 years and it will continue." 


Broken Hill Film Studio Precinct



As we can see, the wheels are in motion with a number of new ideas and proposals being considered.

It's a case of "watch this space ...."

If you have a need for a film studio, I'm sure Council would to be pleased to hear from you.  I will provide some contact information shortly regarding this.

Cheers, Jane D