A Re-Evaluation of Screen Production on the Gold Coast After COVID-19

Abstract

This study was commissioned by the City of Gold Coast to re-evaluate the size and activity of the film and television production industry on the Gold Coast since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020. Focusing on the period between June 2020 and mid-2023, the study examines the production activity and characteristics of the local screen ecology; the size and growth of the local film, television and games workforce; and the current capacity of film and television sound stages and production facilities. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methodology, primary data was generated through a series of semi-structured interviews with key above-the-line screen content creators and stakeholders; data mining from Screen Queensland’s location and crew online app, IMDb, and City of Gold Coast Screen Attraction data; and ABR and ABS Census data. The findings indicate the employment of film, television and creative specialists on the Gold Coast grew nearly three times more than the average employment growth. The Gold Coast also accounted for between 39% and 71% of Queensland’s total film and television drama production expenditure. The report identified several barriers to continued growth of the film and television industry on the Gold Coast and made a number of recommendations to address these challenges.