WATER TANK LURES INTERNATIONAL FILMS TO QUEENSLAND

The construction of Australia’s only large-scale permanent outdoor water tank on the Gold Coast is attracting big interest in Queensland from international film productions.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, said the State Government had invested $500,000 in the $2.1 million water tank built at Warner Roadshow Studios.

“This permanent outdoor water tank is a significant addition to Queensland’s film infrastructure and provides our state with another competitive edge in attracting major international films to shoot here,” Mr Welford said.

“The water tank, which allows for large-scale underwater and above water filming, is the only facility of its kind in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and also one of only a few worldwide.

“It’s currently being used by the multi-million dollar US production Fool’s Gold to shoot water scenes with the film’s stars, Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey.”

The Fool’s Gold production and Warner Roadshow Studios also jointly contributed to the cost of the facility, which was built specially for Fool’s Gold.

“However, when shooting ends in March the facility will remain at the studios to be used by future productions for shooting large-scale water scenes,” Mr Welford said.

“As a result of having the water tank facility, 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.

“These projects under negotiation have an estimated value of $US370 million.”

Major productions which have used a similar water tank include Titanic, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The tank has been built into the ground and measures 40m x 30m, and has a graduated depth of 2m to 5m.

Backwash from the tank is being recycled and used for stock watering of Warner Village Theme Parks attractions including the Australian Outback Spectacular and the Australian farm tour, Paradise Country.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985