Geelong targets major film and TV productions

GEELONG has set an ambitious course to build a permanent screen production industry in the region.

The City of Greater Geelong has commissioned consultancy firm Urbis to develop a strategy that would enable the region to support large-scale film productions, including assessing the feasibility of establishing a dedicated film studio Geelong.

As part of this work, Urbis will examine demand from national and international producers, infrastructure and facility requirements, workforce capacity, training pathways and future skills needs, as well as how Geelong could complement Melbourne’s Dockland Studios.

The push builds on a recent run of high-profile productions filmed across the region in 2024, including mystery thriller Force of Nature, shot in the Otway Ranges, teen television drama Surviving Summer, filmed along the Surf Coast, and the prison drama Inside, which used the Western Plains Correctional Centre in Lara as a key location.

Earlier productions filmed in and around Geelong include Nitram (2021), Foe (2023), The Dressmaker (2015), Knowing (2009) and Ghost Rider (2007).

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the city was well placed to expand its role in the screen industry.

“Geelong is in a unique position to become a significant new hub for screen production in Victoria,”he said.

“By taking this next step, we’ll receive the evidence, insight and direction needed to understand what it will take to grow a film industry here.

“With our growing ties to India and a clear synergy with India’s rapidly expanding screen sector, we believe there is strong potential for future collaboration and investment.”

The project is a collaboration between property developer Pelligra, the City of Greater Geelong, VicScreen, and Deakin University.

Deakin University associate head of school, international and partnerships, Dr Russell Kennedy, said the university’s involvement would focus on skills and capability.

“A thriving screen industry means new jobs, new training pathways and new innovation opportunities for our region,” Dr Kennedy said.

“Deakin is proud to contribute expertise in screen education, creative technology and digital skills to support this vision.”