Luke Hemsworth Champions Major NSW Film Studio to Retain Australian Talent
Aussie actor Luke Hemsworth has publicly endorsed ambitious plans for one of the largest film and television production facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, asserting that the project will help keep Australian talent closer to home and strengthen the domestic screen industry. The new studio precinct, slated for the New South Wales Central Coast, promises to transform the region into a global hub for entertainment production.
Cutting-Edge Features of the Central Coast Studio
The development will include 10 state-of-the-art sound stages, innovative LED technology, and a record-breaking water tank, positioning it as a competitive player in the international screen market. During an appearance on Sunrise, Hemsworth revealed that his support stems from personal motivations, emphasizing the benefits of working locally to reduce time away from family.
"Anything that furthers me working in this country is good for me. It's mainly selfish reasons," Hemsworth admitted. "We all spend so much time away from our family." He highlighted that the project aims not only to attract high-budget international productions but also to foster a supportive ecosystem for crews, families, and emerging local talent.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Educational Hub
The studio will integrate production facilities with family-friendly amenities, such as childcare services, education facilities, and restaurants, creating a comprehensive hub for cast and crew. Hemsworth explained, "You want the crew to be travelling less, to be seeing their family more. They're there hours before we are every day and hours afterwards." Additionally, a dedicated learning hub will partner with production colleges to nurture the next generation of Australian screen professionals.
Boosting Jobs and Global Leadership
Hemsworth, currently filming projects like season two of The Terminal List with Chris Pratt and Beast in Me with Russell Crowe, praised Australia's historical strength in entertainment, noting it has always "punched above its weight." He called for increased job creation domestically, urging, "Let's create more jobs here. Let's stop taking everything overseas. Let's attract the big guys, but also let's help the little productions as well." He expressed confidence that the studio will elevate Australia to world leadership in screen production, calling it "another feather in the cap."