Sydney is to become Australia’s “movies capital” thanks to a major push from the NSW Government and a new agreement with the production company behind Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Avengers.
That’s correct, George Lucas’ Disney-owned film company has chosen New South Wales as its newest and fifth operation base.
The NSW Government Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Lucas’ company Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) is setting up shop at Fox Studios in Sydney’s east.
Executive creative director and head of ILM Rob Bredow was in Sydney for the announcement, which revealed the studio would contribute to the making of the next Star Wars films.
It was also announced the new base would result in 500 local jobs. In fact, a jobs page has gone live today requesting “expressions of interest”.
The page, which offers a “Position at Industrial Light & Magic” says:
“As we grow ILM Sydney, we are seeking a variety of talent to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity.
“If you are a CG Artist or VFX Professional who would be interested in joining ILM Sydney in the future, please submit Cover Letters, CVs, and reels for consideration.”
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Just announced – @ILMVFX to open new studio in Sydney, Australia: https://t.co/CIOmnvW0Wt pic.twitter.com/QwmhDm1IFM
— ILM Visual Effects (@ILMVFX) July 15, 2019
Speaking to reporters in Sydney, Berejiklian said: “This isn’t just about the 500 jobs but it means Sydney submits itself as really the movies capital of Australia. The jobs here in digital and visual effects post-production will make us a leading light around the world.”
For those of you who love Star Wars but are still very much realists who have reservations around why ILM would invest so deeply in Sydney; the following information is for you.
As part of the agreement to host an ILM studio in Sydney, the company receives a 10% rebate for its investment here, as well as a 30% rebate from the Federal Government.
The 10% subsidy is part of the NSW Govt’s offer for all post, digital and visual effects firms who are investing more than $500,000 in NSW.
