Disney Studios Australia (formerly Fox Studios Australia) is a

motion picture A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

and television production facility in

Sydney Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about towards the Blue Mountain ...

that has operated as part of

The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...

since 2019. Occupying the site of the former Sydney Showground at Moore Park, the studio was created in May 1998 by the now-defunct

News Corporation News Corporation (abbreviated News Corp.), also variously known as News Corporation Limited, was an American multinational mass media corporation controlled by media mogul Rupert Murdoch and headquartered at 1211 Avenue of the Americas in Ne ...

, later split into

21st Century Fox Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., doing business as 21st Century Fox (21CF), was an American multinational mass media corporation that was based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was one of the two companies formed on June 28, 2013, f ...

, which Disney acquired in 2019. The 32-acre-site, which is 15 minutes from the

Sydney CBD The Sydney central business district (CBD) is the historical and main commercial centre of Sydney. The CBD is Sydney's city centre, or Sydney City, and the two terms are used interchangeably. Colloquially, the CBD or city centre is often refer ...

, features eight

sound stages A sound stage (also written soundstage) is a soundproof, large structure, building, or room with large doors and high ceilings, used for the production of theatrical film-making and television productions, usually located on a secured movie or ...

, several production offices, workshops, and around 60 independent entertainment industry businesses. The studio has been involved in the production of numerous major films, including ''

The Matrix ''The Matrix'' is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. It is the first installment in ''The Matrix'' film series, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantolia ...

'', ''

Moulin Rouge! ''Moulin Rouge!'' (, ) is a 2001 jukebox musical romantic drama film directed, co-produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. It follows a young English poet, Christian, who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and cour ...

'', '' Mission: Impossible 2'', ''

Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop-culture Cultural impact of S ...

Episodes II'' and ''

III III or iii may refer to: Companies * Information International, Inc., a computer technology company * Innovative Interfaces, Inc., a library-software company * 3i, formerly Investors in Industry, a British investment company Other uses * Ins ...

'', and ''

Superman Returns ''Superman Returns'' is a 2006 American superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris (screenwriter), Dan Harris from a story by Singer, Dougherty and Harris based on the DC Comics character Superman. I ...

''.

Site history

Prior to 1998, the Studio's site was host to Sydney's Royal Easter Show – the largest event held in Australia, and the sixth largest in the world. In 1881, the

New South Wales Government The Government of New South Wales, also known as the NSW Government, is the Australian state democratic administrative authority of New South Wales. It is currently held by a coalition of the Liberal Party and the National Party. The Governmen ...

provided land for the ''Royal Agricultural Society'' at Moore Park where the show was held for 116 years. From 1902 to 1919, the site expanded to the south and from 1920 to 1937, the Moore Park Showground expanded to the north. In 1998, the Show moved to a new showground and the former Sydney Showground at Moore Park became the home to Fox Studios Australia. The 132,000 square metre (32 acre) site includes eight stages, production offices and heavy industrial

workshops Beginning with the Industrial Revolution era, a workshop may be a room, rooms or building which provides both the area and tools (or machinery) that may be required for the manufacture or repair of manufactured goods. Workshops were the only ...

, and a community of over 60 independent businesses. These businesses provide services such as equipment hire, travel and freight,

casting Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify. The solidified part is also known as a ''casting'', which is ejected ...

postproduction Post-production is part of the process of filmmaking, video production, audio production, and photography. Post-production includes all stages of production occurring after principal photography or recording individual program segments. The ...

, and explosives/pyrotechnic factory, adjoining residential properties. Disney Studios Australia houses

post-production Post-production is part of the process of filmmaking, video production, audio production, and photography. Post-production includes all stages of production occurring after principal photography or recording individual program segments. The ...

specialists in film editing, sound re-recording and

sound In physics, sound is a vibration that propagates as an acoustic wave, through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid or solid. In human physiology and psychology, sound is the ''reception'' of such waves and their ''perception'' by the ...

Backlot Theme Park

Fox Studios Backlot was purportedly based on

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusemen ...

Universal Studios Florida Universal Studios Florida (also known as Universal Studios or USF) is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Primarily themed to movies, television and other aspects of the entertainment industry, the park opened to the public on June 7, 1990 ...

, and

Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its Parks, Experiences and Products division. Based on a concept by Ma ...

. The $261 million park opened on 7 November 1999. An adjacent precinct provides restaurants and cafes, a retail complex, parklands, entertainment venues, and sporting facilities. The adjacent precinct was previously known as simply 'Fox Studios Entertainment Precinct'. The backlot closed down in 2001 and the entrance remains at Fox Studios Australia.

Ownership

Disney Studios Australia is owned by the media conglomerate

, under the terms of a 99-year lease from the New South Wales State Government. The decision by the Carr Government in 1995 to allow

, predecessor of

, to take over the site was controversial and attracted criticism from sections of the media such as ''

The Sydney Morning Herald ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' (''SMH'') is a daily compact newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and owned by Nine. Founded in 1831 as the ''Sydney Herald'', the ''Herald'' is the oldest continuously published newspaper ...

'' and independent MP

Clover Moore Clover Margaret Moore (née Collins, born 22 October 1945) is an Australian politician. She has been the List of Mayors and Lord Mayors of Sydney, Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney since 2004 and is currently the longest serving Lord Mayor of Syd ...

. It was alleged that a secret deal took place between the NSW Government and the largest shareholder and Chairman/CEO of News Corporation,

Rupert Murdoch Keith Rupert Murdoch ( ; born 11 March 1931) is an Australian-born American business magnate. Through his company News Corp, he is the owner of hundreds of local, national, and international publishing outlets around the world, including ...

, involving the donation of $25 million in taxpayers' money for the new site. On 20 March 2019,

completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, and now owns the studio, as well as

20th Century Studios 20th Century Studios, Inc. (previously known as 20th Century Fox) is an American film production company headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles. As of 2019, it serves as a film production arm of Walt Disn ...

and other related film units. On 10 October 2022, the studio dropped the "

Fox Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright, triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or ''brush''). Twelve sp ...

" branding and was officially renamed Disney Studios Australia.

Productions

The studio has been involved in a number of movies and television shows including:

Films

*'' Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie'' (1995) *'' Dark City'' (1998) *'' Babe: Pig in the City'' (1998) *''

'' (1999) *'' Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace'' (1999) *'' Mission: Impossible 2'' (2000) *''

Holy Smoke! ''Holy Smoke!'' is a 1999 independent romantic comedy-drama film directed by Jane Campion, and starring Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel. Its plot follows an American exit counselor (Keitel) who attempts to deprogram a young Australian woman (W ...

'' (1999) *''

'' (2001) *''

La Spagnola LA most frequently refers to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States. La, LA, or L.A. may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * La (musical note), or A, the sixth note * "L.A.", a song by Elliott Smith on ''Figur ...

'' (2001) *'' Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones'' (2002) *''

The Quiet American ''The Quiet American'' is a 1955 novel by English author Graham Greene. Narrated in the first person by journalist Thomas Fowler, the novel depicts the breakdown of French colonialism in Vietnam and early American involvement in the Vietnam W ...

'' (2002) *''

The Matrix Reloaded ''The Matrix Reloaded'' is a 2003 American science-fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. It is a sequel to ''The Matrix'' (1999) and the second installment in the ''Matrix'' film series. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Laure ...

'' (2003) *''

Kangaroo Jack ''Kangaroo Jack'' is a 2003 buddy comedy film produced by Castle Rock Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, directed by David McNally with a screenplay by Steve Bing and Scott Rosenberg from a story by ...

'' (2003) *''

The Matrix Revolutions ''The Matrix Revolutions'' is a 2003 American science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. It is the third installment in ''The Matrix'' film series, released six months following ''The Matrix Reloaded''. The film stars ...

'' (2003) *'' The Night We Called It a Day'' (2003) *'' Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'' (2005) *''

Son of the Mask ''Son of the Mask'' is a 2005 superhero comedy film directed by Lawrence Guterman. A stand-alone sequel to '' The Mask'' (1994), it is the second installment in ''The Mask'' franchise, an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name by D ...

'' (2005) *'' Stealth'' (2005) *''

'' (2006) *'' Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' (2008) *''

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

'' (2008) *'' X-Men Origins: Wolverine'' (2009) *''

Accidents Happen ''Accidents Happen'' is a 2009 Australian coming-of-age comedy drama film directed by Andrew Lancaster and starring Geena Davis, Harrison Gilbertson, Harry Cook, Sebastian Gregory, Joel Tobeck, and Sarah Woods. Written by Brian Carbee, based ...

'' (2009) *'' Tomorrow When the War Began'' (2010) *''

Happy Feet Two ''Happy Feet Two'' is a 2011 computer-animated film, computer-animated jukebox musical comedy film directed, produced and co-written by George Miller (filmmaker), George Miller. It is the sequel to the 2006 film ''Happy Feet'', it stars Ava Acres ...

'' (2011) *''

The Great Gatsby ''The Great Gatsby'' is a 1925 novel by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, near New York City, the novel depicts First-person narrative, first-person narrator Nick Carraway's interactions with mysterious mil ...

'' (2013) *'' The Wolverine'' (2013) *''

The Lego Movie ''The Lego Movie'' is a 2014 computer-animated adventure comedy film written and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from a story by Lord, Miller, and Dan and Kevin Hageman. Based on the Lego line of construction toys, its story focu ...

'' (2014) *'' Unbroken'' (2014) *''

Gods of Egypt Ancient Egyptian deities are the gods and goddesses worshipped in ancient Egypt. The beliefs and rituals surrounding these gods formed the core of ancient Egyptian religion, which emerged sometime in prehistory. Deities represented natural fo ...

'' (2016) *'' Mad Max: Fury Road'' (2015) *''

Hacksaw Ridge ''Hacksaw Ridge'' is a 2016 biographical war film directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan, based on the 2004 documentary ''The Conscientious Objector'' directed by Terry Benedict. The film focuses on the World Wa ...

'' (2016) *'' Alien: Covenant'' (2017) *''

The Lego Batman Movie ''The Lego Batman Movie'' is a 2017 computer-animated superhero comedy film produced by Warner Animation Group, DC Entertainment, RatPac Entertainment, Lego System A/S, Dan Lin's Lin Pictures, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's Lord Miller Pro ...

'' (2017) *''

The Lego Ninjago Movie ''The Lego Ninjago Movie'' is a 2017 computer-animated martial arts comedy film produced by Warner Animation Group, RatPac Entertainment, Lego System A/S, Lin Pictures, Lord Miller Productions, and Vertigo Entertainment, and distributed by Wa ...

'' (2017) *''

Peter Rabbit Peter Rabbit is a fictional animal character in various children's stories by English author Beatrix Potter. A mischievous, adventurous young rabbit who wears a blue jacket, he first appeared in ''The Tale of Peter Rabbit'' in 1902, and subs ...

'' (2018) *''

Pacific Rim Uprising ''Pacific Rim Uprising'' is a 2018 American science fiction film, science fiction Monster movie, monster film directed by Steven S. DeKnight (in his List of directorial debuts, feature-film directorial and writing debut), and written by DeKnig ...

'' (2018) *'' The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part'' (2019) *''

The Invisible Man ''The Invisible Man'' is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. Originally serialized in ''Pearson's Weekly'' in 1897, it was published as a novel the same year. The Invisible Man to whom the title refers is Griffin, a scientist who has devote ...

'' (2020) *'' Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway'' (2021) *''

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ''Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'' is a 2021 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Shang-Chi. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 25th film ...

'' (2021) *'' Thor: Love and Thunder'' (2022) *''

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ''Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'' is an upcoming American science fiction action film directed by Wes Ball from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison, and produced by Joe Hartwick Jr., Jaffa, Silver ...

'' (2024) *''

The Fall Guy ''The Fall Guy'' is an American action/adventure television series produced for ABC and originally broadcast from November 4, 1981, to May 2, 1986. It starred Lee Majors, Douglas Barr, and Heather Thomas as Hollywood stunt performers who moonli ...

'' (2024)

Television

*''

The Simpsons ''The Simpsons'' is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical depiction of American life, epitomized by the Simpson family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, ...

'' (1998-present) *''

Farscape ''Farscape'' is an Australian-American science fiction television series, produced originally for the Nine Network. It premiered in the US on Sci-Fi Channel's SciFi Friday, 19 March 1999, at 8:00 pm EST as their anchor series. The series was c ...

'' (Nine Network, 1999) *''Playhouse Disney'' (Seven Network, 2001–2005) *''

Australian Idol ''Australian Idol'' is an Australian singing competition, which began its first season in July 2003 and ended its initial run in November 2009. As part of the ''Idol'' franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program ''Pop Idol' ...

'' (Network Ten, 2003–2009) *'' Star Wars: Clone Wars'' (2003-2005) *'' Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' (2008-2020) *'' Hi-5'' (Nine Network, 2008) *''

The Barefoot Rugby League Show ''The Barefoot Rugby League Show'' is an Australian sports variety television programme, shown on NITV, as well as 31 Brisbane. Hosted by Brad Cooke and indigenous former international rugby league footballers Tony Currie and David Peachey, th ...

'' (NITV, 2010–2013) *''

The X Factor ''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for ''Pop Idol'' (2001–2003 ...

'' (Seven Network, 2010–2016) *''Minute To Win It'' (Seven Network, 2010) *'' Good News Week / Good News World'' (Network Ten, 2011) *''

The Voice The Voice may refer to: Fictional entities * The Voice or Presence, a fictional representation of God in DC Comics * The Voice (''Dune''), a fictional ability in the ''Dune'' universe * The Voice, a character in the American TV series ''Cleo ...

'' (Nine Network, 2012–2019; Seven Network, 2020-present) *''

Young Talent Time ''Young Talent Time'' is an Australian television variety program produced by Lewis-Young Productions and screened on Network Ten. The original series ran from 1971 until 1988 and was hosted by singer-songwriter and record producer Johnny Youn ...

'' (Network Ten, 2012) *''

A League of Their Own ''A League of Their Own'' is a 1992 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall that tells a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The film stars Tom Hanks, Geena Dav ...

'' (Network Ten, 2013) *''

So You Think You Can Dance Australia ''So You Think You Can Dance Australia'' is an Australian version of the American reality dance competition ''So You Think You Can Dance''. The show is hosted by Carrie Bickmore, with judges Paula Abdul, Shannon Holtzapffel, Jason Gilkison and ...

'' (Network Ten, 2014) *''

Star Wars Rebels ''Star Wars Rebels'' is an American 3D animation, 3D animated science fiction on television, science fiction television series produced by Lucasfilm Animation and set in the ''Star Wars'' universe. It takes place over a decade after ''Episode ...

'' (2014-2018) *''

Shark Tank ''Shark Tank'' is an American business reality television series that premiered on August 9, 2009, on ABC.Hibberd, James (May 10, 201'Dancing,' 'Bachelor,' and a bigger 'Shark Tank' returning to ABCInsider TV. Retrieved June 24, 2012 The show i ...

'' (Network Ten, 2015–2018) *''

The Great Australian Spelling Bee ''The Great Australian Spelling Bee'' was an Australian reality series on Network Ten. Hosted by Grant Denyer and Chrissie Swan, and produced by Shine Australia, the series premiered from 3 August 2015 until 17 September 2016. The series also st ...

'' (Network Ten, 2015–2016) *''

You're Back in the Room ''You're Back in the Room'' was a British television game show that was broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV from 14 March 2015 to 9 April 2016. The show was hosted by Phillip Schofield and starred Keith Barry. The premise consists of contestants ...

'' (Nine Network, 2016) *'' This Time Next Year'' (Nine Network, 2016–present) *''

Little Big Shots ''Little Big Shots'' (also known as ''LBS'') is an American variety television series co-created and produced by Steve Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres. The series features children demonstrating talents and engaging in conversation with the host. ...

'' (Seven Network, 2017–present) *''

Dance Boss ''Dance Boss'' is an Australian reality television dance competition on the Seven Network presented by Dannii Minogue. The performers are judged by stage and film performer Adam Garcia, singer and dancer Timomatic and actress and performer Sharn ...

'' (Seven Network, 2018) *'' All Together Now'' (Seven Network, 2018) *'' Take Me Out'' (Seven Network, 2018) *''

Blind Date A blind date is a social engagement between two people who have not met, usually arranged by a mutual acquaintance. Structure A blind date is arranged for by a mutual acquaintance of both participants. The two people who take part in the blind ...

'' (Network 10, 2018) *''

Game of Games ''Game of Games'' is an Australian TV game show hosted by Grant Denyer based on the American game show ''Ellen's Game of Games''. It premiered on Network Ten on Sunday, 7 October 2018 at 7:30pm and on 24 November 2018 Channel Ten changed its ti ...

'' (Network 10, 2018) *''

Dancing with the Stars ''Dancing with the Stars'' is the name of various international television series based on the format of the British TV series '' Strictly Come Dancing'', which is distributed by BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC. Currently the forma ...

'' (Network 10, 2019–present) *''

Chris & Julia's Sunday Night Takeaway ''Chris & Julia's Sunday Night Takeaway'' (frequently referred to as ''Sunday Night Takeaway'' or simply ''Takeaway'') is an Australian television variety show, presented by Chris Brown and Julia Morris. It premiered on Network 10 on 24 February ...

'' (Network 10, 2019–present) *'' The Proposal'' (Seven Network, 2019) *''

The Masked Singer Australia ''The Masked Singer Australia'' is an Australian reality television Reality competition, singing competition show hosted that premiered on Network Ten, Network 10 on 23 September 2019. Hosted by Osher Günsberg, the show is based on the intern ...

'' (Network 10, 2019–present) *'' Lego Masters Australia'' (Nine Network, 2022–present)

References

External links

*
The Entertainment Quarter
{{Coord, 33.89202, S, 151.22851, E, source:placeopedia, display=title Walt Disney Studios (division) Australian film studios Television studios in Australia Tourist attractions in Sydney Australian companies established in 1998 Mass media companies established in 1998 Disney production studios Amusement parks in Australia Film production companies of Australia Moore Park, New South Wales Companies based in Sydney