Monday 26 October 2015: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced Legendary Pictures’ and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Kong: Skull Island is the next major international motion picture to film in Queensland, with preproduction starting this month and filming commencing in early 2016.
“I met with Legendary Pictures in Los Angeles in June and am thrilled they have chosen to film in Queensland,” the Premier said.
“Securing Kong: Skull Island demonstrates the momentum we are building to ensure Queensland is a destination of choice for major producers and international studios.
“Kong will spend more than $15 million in Queensland by leveraging our world-class facilities and enlisting cast and crews in all aspects of physical production.
“The production will create 60 local jobs in addition to the Queenslanders who have already been enlisted with the Production Manager and Art Director already confirmed as Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Filming will take place at Village Roadshow Studios as well as on location throughout south-east Queensland.
“Queensland will also benefit beyond the economic spend during production with films such as this showcasing our region internationally.
“My government continues negotiations with US studios to secure additional films which will bring new money into the state, create new jobs and economic opportunities for Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Screen Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tracey Vieira said this latest announcement demonstrated the reputation Queensland was establishing in the international film production industry.
“Securing Kong, together with our growing international film production pipeline including Thor: Ragnarok announced only last week, The Nest 3D and The Shallows, highlights that our filmmaking capabilities, spectacular and diverse locations, internationally-renowned crew and world-class facilities act as major drawcards,” Ms Vieira said.
“Kong will be shooting in two other international territories in addition to Queensland.
“Our local industry is certainly getting some big international credits under their belts and making incredible local content, as well as building the careers of emerging talent,” Ms Vieira said.
Kong: Skull Island stars Tom Hiddleston, Sam Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, Tian Jing, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, and Toby Kebbell.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and written by Max Borenstein, John Gatins, Dan Gilroy, and Derek Connolly,Kong: Skull Island will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.
Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce with Mary Parent. Alex Garcia and Eric McLeod will executive produce.
The film will be distributed worldwide in 3D and IMAX 3D by Warner Bros. Pictures beginning March 2017.
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Media contact: 0428 098 437
About Legendary Entertainment:
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Through complete or joint ownership, Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $12 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com
About Screen Queensland:
Screen Queensland supports a creative, innovative and successful screen industry through development and investment; secures production to Queensland; and delivers an active screen culture across the state.www.screenqld.com.au
Contact: 3719 7000
