Film studios are emerging as the latest battleground in the competition for investment, talent and economic growth.
From London’s £1 billion Camden Film Quarter to major studio expansions across Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, governments and developers are increasingly treating screen infrastructure as a catalyst for urban renewal, jobs and long-term economic development.
The trend is being closely watched by Harper B, a strategist working with cities, places and industry leaders to attract investment and drive economic growth, including advising a confidential film industry client on future screen infrastructure opportunities.
Harper B Founder Belinda Coates said the conversation around film infrastructure had shifted from culture to economic competitiveness.
“This is no longer simply about supporting the arts. Film infrastructure has become economic infrastructure,” Ms Coates said.
“The cities moving fastest are using screen production to attract talent, diversify economies and create long-term skilled jobs and build international reputations.”
The global film and television market is projected to reach almost $489 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand from streaming giants including Netflix, Amazon and Disney.
Australia’s screen industry already generates more than $5.3 billion annually and supports over 30,000 jobs, while screen tourism contributes an estimated $725 million each year.
Ms Coates said one of the industry’s greatest strengths was its resilience during periods of economic disruption.
“During the global financial crisis and throughout COVID-19, screen production proved remarkably resilient internationally, continuing to support employment and local economies while many industries slowed or shut down,” she said.
“In an increasingly uncertain economy, governments are recognising the value of industries that continue creating jobs through downturns.”
Australian states are already investing heavily to capture a larger share of the growing global market.
Queensland is expanding its screen sector through a new 51.6-hectare production precinct. New South Wales has launched a $100 million studio infrastructure program after acknowledging it is turning away international productions due to capacity constraints. Western Australia is investing $233.5 million in Perth Film Studios as part of its strategy to grow the state’s creative economy. Victoria has also made significant investments in screen infrastructure including the Victorian Government just recently in May 2026 committing a further $27 million to VicScreen to support the growth of the State’s screen sector.
Despite these investments, demand for production facilities continues to outpace supply in many markets.
Universal Television’s La Brea relocated from Victoria to Queensland after struggling to secure studio space in Melbourne, taking with it an estimated $118 million in economic activity, hundreds of jobs and more than 800 supplier relationships.
“We are watching a global competition play out in real time,” Ms Coates said.
“Every production turned away is not simply a missed opportunity. It is investment, jobs and talent relocating elsewhere.”
International case studies are reinforcing the economic argument for film infrastructure.
In Vienna, Austria’s screen incentive scheme generated an estimated four-fold economic return while helping retain local creative talent.
In Camden, on the doorstep of Central London, a £1 billion mixed-use screen precinct, Camden Film Quarter, is being developed as a major urban renewal project incorporating soundstages, education facilities, housing, tourism attractions and public spaces.
The project is being led by Yoo Capital, the developer behind Olympia, one of the UK’s largest regeneration and cultural precincts, which officially launched this month.
Yoo Capital Managing Partner Lloyd Lee said successful creative precincts required more than studio infrastructure alone.
“What we have seen at Olympia, and now with Camden Film Quarter, is that creative infrastructure works best when it is part of a wider ecosystem. Studios, venues and workspaces matter, but so do the schools, homes, hotels, restaurants, public spaces and neighbourhoods around them,” Mr Lee said.
“At Olympia, that mix is already attracting organisations such as the Premier League, who are broadcasting from the heart of the estate. Camden Film
Quarter gives us the opportunity to apply that same thinking to the screen industries: creating a place where production, training, talent, culture and community can grow together.”
Ms Coates said the international examples highlighted an important lesson for Australian governments.
“The smartest cities are not treating film as a standalone industry,” Ms Coates said.
“They are integrating it into economic development, education, tourism, innovation and place-making strategies because they understand the long-term value of creative ecosystems.”
Ms Coates said Victoria risked losing long-term investment if it failed to act quickly.
“Every production turned away is not simply a missed opportunity. It is investment, jobs and talent relocating elsewhere,” she said.
Author Belinda Coates GAICD
For further information, or interviews please contact:
Bianca Jankovic
Communications Director, Harper B
0450 941 480 | bianca.jankovic@harperb.com.au
www.harperb.com.au