Blockbusters are being proudly filmed in Queensland, but Logan could be one of the most underutilised areas in the south east.
One film location specialist believes Logan is a realm of untapped potential and should be hosting more than the handful of productions that have so far visited.
Council hopes this is about to change with a new platform aimed at getting more productions in town to capture the region’s beauty.
And it’s right in time for when Queensland welcomes film crews for the new Godzilla vs Kong sequel, as announced by the state government last week.
Until now however, few movie-makers have been made aware of the great location opportunities in the region.
Godzilla vs Kong is set to inject $80 million into the economy, clearly showing what can be gained if film production is regarded a pillar of the economy.
The movie will create 505 jobs, plus opportunities for 750 extras.
The Village Roadshow studios on the Gold Coast will be the centre of operations, while the rest of the south east will be explored for film locations.
It is unclear whether Logan will get a slice of the Kong pie. If it misses out, it won’t be because there is a lack of locations.
TV and film researcher Murray Shoring was once a location scout for Screen Queensland. He said that Logan has everything needed for a multi-million-dollar production.
“I did an assignment for Screen Queensland some time ago, and I took a lot of photos around Beenleigh and Logan,” he said.
“The Screen Queensland people said to me then that this looks amazing, and that they were surprised not more productions were filmed there.
“I was surprised as well because it is so close to the studios and you can pick a place like Beenleigh, and your film could be set anywhere – a country town, a city, or whatever you want to.
“It’s so open for addressing the way you want it to look.”
Logan’s film economy is a fledging undertaking compared to what is happening in other cities.
Logan City Council approved six film permits in the past five years for numerous reality TV shows, while Brisbane has welcomed 31 productions since 2013, and Ipswich has 12 recent productions to its name.
There are signs that more will come to Logan. In March, Logan was one of the destinations used for the filming of Joe vs Carole, the follow up to the Tiger King documentary series released in 2020.
Council is trying to boost the region’s profile with a new platform called Explore Logan. It will showcase film-ready locations, but its launch was setback due to the flood disaster.
The sorts of locations being looked at are the Beenleigh Rum Distillery, Beenleigh’s Red Bridge, Logan Central’s Global food markets, and Daisy Hill’s mountain bike trails.
Ipswich City Council has succeeded with a similar approach through its Film Ipswich initiative that highlights 200 locations.
Ipswich council stated that film productions typically spend between $10,000 and $50,000 on location leases, film crew accommodation, food, and on hiring local talent for acting roles at locations.
“That is the massive impact that benefits a local community,” marketing researcher Dr Joan Carlini said.
Dr Carlini works with organisers of mega events, such as the Commonwealth Games, to shape legacy projects that give value back to host communities.
“So if you can get movies into your city, it’s a whole range of industries and businesses that benefit – not just the film industry,” she said.
