Queensland has long been a magnet for international filmmaking, earning its reputation as Australia’s film-friendly production paradise due to its stunning locations, skilled crews, and world-class studios. The state’s connection to Hollywood is robust, with major studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures drawn to its competitive financial incentives and diverse landscapes, from the Gold Coast’s beaches to Brisbane’s urban backdrop. Screen Queensland, the state’s government-owned agency, plays a pivotal role in fostering this relationship by securing international productions and supporting local talent, making Queensland a global leader in the film and television industry.
The recent AACTA Careers Expo 2025 on the Gold Coast highlighted Queensland’s thriving screen ecosystem and deepening ties with international filmmaking. The Urbanite attended the expo, interviewing key players like Folklore Sound, Gameloft, Halfbrick, and APAC, revealing the interconnected worlds of gaming and film. A significant theme was the transferable skills between these industries, particularly for game designers and film producers. Both fields now rely on shared tools like screen compositing, VFX, and animation to bring surreal characters to life, a trend evident in Hollywood blockbusters shot in Queensland, such as Mortal Kombat 2, directed by Simon McQuoid.
Folklore Sound, a West End-based studio founded seven years ago, has recently entered into a collaboration with Spectrum Films, a renowned post-production company behind Hollywood-backed projects such as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the epic Elvis biopic, and Thor: Love and Thunder. This partnership underscores Queensland’s growing role in high-calibre international productions, offering a specialised sound design that enhances the cinematic experience. Spectrum Films was awarded ‘Best Editing in Film’ for Furiosa during the AACTA 2025 Awards ceremony, showcasing the state’s technical expertise on a global stage.
Gameloft, a French game development company, and Halfbrick, a local VR development studio, further emphasised the crossover between gaming and filmmaking at the expo. Representatives like Hannah Crosby from Gameloft and Liam Potter from Halfbrick discussed how both industries share an affinity for building immersive worlds and characters. Game designers and filmmakers increasingly use the same technologies—advanced CGI, motion capture, and virtual production techniques—to create compelling narratives, as evident in Queensland’s most recent productions.
APAC’s interview at the expo highlighted its commitment to supporting filmmakers and actors of all ages and fostering their passion through its strong industry network. It openly welcomes requests to partner on new projects and stage productions, reflecting Queensland’s collaborative spirit. This openness aligns with the state’s broader mission, as seen in initiatives like Screen Queensland’s support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners, elevating diverse voices in local and international storytelling.
Queensland’s studios, such as Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane and Cairns, have become a cornerstone for Hollywood productions, offering world-class facilities. The state’s appeal is further amplified by events like the AACTA Festival, which hosts numerous events and attracts 22,000 visitors, including Hollywood talents like Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman). These events provide a platform for local creatives to connect with international filmmakers, fostering collaborations that elevate Queensland’s global profile.
The AACTA Awards, often referred to as the Australian Oscars, further solidify Queensland’s connection to Hollywood by celebrating excellence in film and television. In 2025, movies like Better Man, which won Best Visual Effects or Animation for its groundbreaking CGI work, showcased the state’s ability to support high-budget international projects. Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, noted the AACTA Awards’ role in recognising the skilled technicians and visionaries who bring global stories to life, particularly those made in the Sunshine State.
Links and resources:
* Elysium Studios
* Folklore Sound
* Gameloft
* Halfbrick
* APAC
