Mega Sound Stage new home for ‘God of Thunder’ down under

Queensland is now home to the largest sound stage in the southern hemisphere, with the new Village Roadshow super stage unveiled today at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games said the $15.5 million Sound Stage 9, which will also host the Squash competition for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), is expected to contribute millions to Queensland’s film and television industry.

“Sound Stage 9 is already proving to be a major drawcard for international blockbusters and the Commonwealth Games squash venue is already breaking records as the largest super stage in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Marvel Studios will be the first occupant of the super stage, with its superstar cast and crew bumping into the 4000sqm Sound Stage 9 this week and filming of the blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok to start in July.

“This new super stage positions Queensland as a film destination both within Australia and internationally while also working to support the growth and development of local expertise, increasing employment opportunities and growing local investment.

“In addition, the returns for this industry are impressive with every $1 invested in screen production generating a $15 direct return to the Queensland economy.”

Mr Hinchliffe said Thor was expected to inject more than $100 million into the Queensland economy and employ more than 750 Queenslanders.

“Major film shoots deliver significant international exposure for the Gold Coast and Queensland and I expect we’ll continue to reap benefits from Sound Stage 9 well into the future,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“In addition, the venue will not only deliver the location for Squash during the Games but provide the Gold Coast with an ongoing legacy as an all-purpose venue.

“This is a real win-win for the Commonwealth Games and for the Queensland film industry and economy.

“More than 600 workers and 33 companies have played a part in construction over the past five months, but that is only the start.

“This stage delivers on a promise that GC2018 will invigorate our state, stimulate our economy and create long-lasting benefits for the future,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the opening of Sound Stage 9.

“The legacy projects and programs these Games leave behind are equally as important as the event itself,” Mayor Tate said.

“We have such a strong film and television industry right here on the Gold Coast and a world class facility like Sound Stage 9 will provide future employment opportunities for our up and coming film and arts students.”

Village Roadshow Studios President Lynne Benzie said Sound Stage 9 would provide an ongoing legacy for the Gold Coast as an all-purpose venue as well as enhancing the film and television industry in Queensland both domestically and internationally.

“The film industry is about long term sustainability and with the addition of Sound Stage 9 to the existing facilities Village Roadshow Studios cements its position as a world-class production facility holding huge appeal for productions,” she said.

The Palaszczuk Government contributed $11 million to the stage as part of the $320 million GC2018 venues program, with Village Roadshow funding the remainder of the project.

Village Roadshow Studios will also host the Boxing and Table Tennis competitions, and badminton training for GC2018.

For more information on the Games visit www.gc2018.com.