Victorian Government Boosts Screen Industry with $27 Million Investment
The Victorian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of local screen production within the state, with the latest budget allocating an additional $27 million. This funding will be directed towards the established Victorian Screen Incentive, a program designed to attract and secure high-profile film and television productions in Victoria.
With this new investment, the state’s overall commitment to the screen industry now totals $48.7 million. The announcement highlights that this funding will ensure “cameras continue rolling on world-class local and international productions in Victoria in 2026-27 and beyond.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Supporting the screen industry is more than just about entertainment—it’s about creating jobs, enhancing cultural opportunities, and delivering significant economic benefits. Between 2024 and 2025, the Victorian Government’s support for the local screen industry reportedly generated over $500 million in direct economic activity. This included the creation of approximately 8,000 local jobs across 72 major screen productions.
These jobs span a wide range of specializations, including filming, visual effects, post-production, and digital games. The diversity of roles highlights the growing importance of the screen industry as a key driver of employment and innovation in the state.
Supporting Local Talent and Crew
The investment has also helped foster the growth of local talent and crew, with many Victorians playing vital roles in larger productions. A notable example is the upcoming A24 project Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel, starring Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Nope). The film is being shot at Docklands and has seen over 270 Victorians and 250 local businesses contributing to the production.
The Victorian Government is aiming to attract even more high-calibre productions to the state, further solidifying its position as a hub for global screen content.
Statewide Efforts to Strengthen the Screen Industry
Victoria’s latest investment is part of a broader trend across Australia, where various state governments are actively supporting major local and international productions. Queensland recently hosted the filming of the blockbuster Mortal Kombat 2 and another major sequel, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Meanwhile, New South Wales was the location for the video game adaptations Street Fighter and Apex.
Minister for Creative Industries Speaks on Future Prospects
Vicki Ward, Victoria’s new Minister for Creative Industries, emphasized the importance of the screen industry in driving job creation and economic growth. She stated, “Every production means more jobs for Victorians. We’re backing our creative industries so local talent can build careers here and take Victorian stories to the world.”
As the Victorian Government increases its funding for the local screen industry, it is expected that more new productions will emerge in the state in the coming years.
Success Stories from Other States
Other states have also seen significant success in attracting major screen productions. For instance, Mortal Kombat 2 was filmed in Australia, utilizing talented cast and crew from the region and beyond. The film took advantage of Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive, which supports large-scale productions looking to film in the state.
The film was shot at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland and surrounding locations, with an estimated local spend of $68 million supporting jobs and growth. Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted, “Mortal Kombat 2 is a heavy hitter for the state’s economy, creating at least 560 jobs for Queensland cast and crew.”
She added, “My government’s support for the state’s screen industry continues to pay dividends, with Mortal Kombat 2 the latest in a long line of high-profile films to be made here. Queensland has firmly established itself as a leading global production hub, suited to all productions from Hollywood blockbusters right through to homegrown stories.”
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