The reason why I had a somewhat Insane Idea to Start a Film Studio for Hire in Adelaide
Photography by Sue McKay
Let's start with a confession: I am a passionate admirer of Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings'. One step into my office, and it's evident how much I revere this cinematic masterpiece.
However, my admiration isn't limited to the films alone. I'm deeply inspired by Peter Jackson's achievement in Wellington, New Zealand; the likes of Stone Street Studios , Wētā FX (formerly Weta Digital), Park Road Post Production , and Portsmouth Rentals are testaments to his vision. The behind-the-scenes footage from the extended editions of the films narrates the journey of how Jackson and his team methodically built a robust filmmaking ecosystem.
With this in mind, I have a bold vision: to transform Adelaide into Australia's answer to WellingtonNZ. Our city is teeming with talented crews and diverse landscapes, and we've witnessed a surge in productions setting up shop here in recent years. To sustain this momentum, we need to address a critical gap: the availability of studio space. While Adelaide Studio South Australian Film Corporation and Sunjive Studios Adelaide are notable mentions, attracting more significant film and television projects necessitates a studio with multiple sound stages and ample production offices. I believe this was a key factor in the relocation of productions like the New Line Cinema's "Mortal Kombat" sequel to the Gold Coast.
Enter Star Avenue Studios, my ambitious venture and a stepping stone towards realising a grander vision: establishing a world-class studio in Adelaide.
Currently, Star Avenue Studios comprises two distinct spaces: Studio A and Studio B. Studio A is our larger studio, boasting a 6m x 6m x 6m White Cyclorama and ample floor space for mid-sized set constructions. Studio B, on the other hand, caters to photography and smaller interview projects.
The cornerstone of Studio A is its capacity for affordable set construction, facilitated by our versatile range of flats. Witnessing Dante Niedzwiedz and his team utilise Star Avenue Studio for their short film "8mate" was a dream come true. They leveraged our facilities to create a custom set, affording them a level of flexibility impossible on location.
Photography by Sue McKay
In South Australia, the concept of set construction has traditionally been perceived as a luxury reserved for big-budget productions. I want to change this narrative by making affordable studio space accessible here in Adelaide. This way, when local filmmakers are ready to scale up, they're already familiar with the complexities of custom set designs.
In the next two years, Star Avenue Studios is set to undergo a significant transformation as we develop a plan for a full-scale studio. We are on the cusp of beginning the planning phase, with a vision to establish a creative hub that serves the diverse needs of both emerging and seasoned filmmakers.
But let's be clear: this ambitious vision, some might even say 'insane', hinges on the steadfast support of our local industry. Adelaide has untapped potential to become a bustling hub for film and television, providing consistent and meaningful work for our skilled crew members.
I see a future where Star Avenue Studios plays a pivotal role in a vibrant film and television ecosystem in South Australia. But to turn this vision into reality, we need unity. We need to support local initiatives, invest in our collective future, and champion the growth of our industry.
So, to every producer, director, actor, technician, and film enthusiast in South Australia, let's join forces, dream big, and transform Adelaide into a renowned film capital.
Together, we can create an industry that not only sustains itself but also flourishes, providing ample opportunities for all and ensuring that our talented crew members find the work they deserve right here at home.
If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Star Avenue Studios, please reach out and arrange a tour. And stay tuned, as we have an exciting event planned for next month!
Photography by Sue McKay