The Queensland government hopes a giant outdoor water tank on the Gold Coast will attract a series of Hollywood blockbusters to the state.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the $2.1 million tank at Warner Roadshow Studios, currently being used to film the Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey film, Fool’s Gold, would be a trump card for drawing other big-money blockbusters.
Mr Welford said the tank, which can house boats and marine life, allowed for large-scale under and above water filming and was the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and one of only a few worldwide.
The tank is 40 metres by 30 metres and varies in depth from two to five metres.
The government contributed $500,000 to the tank, which is also funded by Fool’s Gold production and Warner Roadshow Studios.
“The government’s Pacific Film and Television Commission and Warner Roadshow Studios are currently in negotiations with a number of major studios requiring water tank facilities for their next major films,” Mr Welford said.
He said projects that could be drawn to the state included the $100 million production Voyage of the Dawn Treader – the [third] in the Narnia Chronicles series.
Major productions to have used similar tanks include Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Thanks to Anna for sending us this story.