Hollywood Turns to Australia for Elvis Biopic Production: The Reason Behind Shifting from Graceland to Queensland
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The Elvis biopic, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is the latest A-list Hollywood production to be filmed in Australia. The decision to shoot the film Down Under was influenced by Luhrmann's Australian heritage and the country's attractive production incentives, diverse locations, and strong local film infrastructure.
The film, which stars Austin Butler as Elvis, Tom Hanks as his manager Tom Parker, and Olivia DeJonge as Elvis' former wife Priscilla Presley, has been filmed at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland, home to the largest sound stage in the Southern Hemisphere. The film's sound stages were transformed to replicate iconic Memphis and Graceland locations.
Over 9,000 costumes were made by Catherine Martin and her team for the production, with the cast including many Australians such as Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson, and David Wenham. The Elvis production employed 900 Queenslanders and injected more than $105 million into the local economy.
The film focuses on Elvis' rise from poverty to worldwide superstardom in 1950s America, with a focus on his complex relationship with his manager during the rise of rock 'n' roll. The Presley family has given the film their unanimous approval, with Priscilla Presley spending an extended period at Graceland, Memphis, allowing Luhrmann to conduct extensive research for the motion picture.
The filming of Elvis and other Hollywood-style blockbusters in Australia has created over 55,000 jobs since 2015. This trend is not unique to the Elvis biopic but exemplifies the broader appeal Australia holds for Hollywood productions seeking to balance production value with budget management.
Australia offers competitive tax rebates and financial incentives that significantly reduce production costs for major studios, making it an appealing choice for big-budget projects. The country's variety of filming locations, from urban to natural landscapes, also allows for versatile settings that suit many story requirements.
Moreover, Australia's well-established film industry ensures access to high-quality technical expertise and equipment. The filming of Elvis and other Hollywood productions in Australia has also boosted the country's tourism, with the Gold Coast and wider Australia benefiting from increased visitor numbers due to the presence of big-name stars during filming.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has been attracting a significant number of A-list films and TV shows due to its safe environment and financial benefits. The Studios have been used for several high-profile international film productions, such as Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman, and Dora The Explorer.
The Elvis biopic is set to be released in cinemas on June 23. RACV Members can save on movie tickets. The film received a 12-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, indicating a promising start for this highly anticipated production.
Movies-and-TV productions, such as the Elvis biopic, find Australia appealing due to its competitive tax rebates, financial incentives, and diverse filming locations that offer versatile settings for various story requirements. This entertainment industry boom also injects millions into the local economy, providing jobs for thousands and boosting tourism.
