LOCOMOTIVES AND STARGATES

Abstract

This article examines the place of large studio complexes in plans for the regeneration of inner‐city areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Toronto. Recent developments in each city are placed in the context of international audiovisual production dynamics, and are considered in terms of the ways they intersect with a range of policy thinking. They are at once part of particular urban revitalisation agendas, industry development planning, city branding and image‐making strategies, and new thinking about film policy at national and sub‐national levels. The article views studio complexes through four frames: as particular kinds of studio complex development; as “locomotives” driving a variety of related industries; as “stargates” enabling a variety of transformations, including the remediation of contaminated, derelict or outmoded land controlled by public authorities or their agents close to the centre of each city; and as components of the entrepreneurial, internationally oriented city.

Keywords:

• urban regeneration
• film studios
• city branding
• film policy
• cultural policy
• screen production