In 1990, Lynne Benzie joined Village Roadshow Studios in what she thought might be just another career step. At the time, she was working in the building industry on the Gold Coast when an opportunity arose for a role as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of VRS. With her diverse background in marketing, construction and information technology, it was the perfect fit and the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Over the past three decades, Lynne has been at the heart of the studio’s transformation. As the global screen industry grew, she championed expansions that would cement the Gold Coast as a world-class production destination. From building Stage 7 and Stage 8 with long-standing partners at Warner Bros, to constructing the Main Water Tank for Fool’s Gold, Lynne’s leadership has left a lasting mark. Her proudest achievement came with Stage 9, built in collaboration with the Commonwealth Games, which today stands as the largest sound stage in Australia.
Stage 9 was, for me, my biggest challenge but memorable working with the Commonwealth Games to build the biggest Sound Stage in Australia. The long-standing partnerships I have had with people at Warner Bros, Disney, Legendary Pictures, Netflix and Executive producers who have been back more than a few times to film at the Studios is a testament to what we have achieved over the years.
Lynne Benzie
The road hasn’t always been smooth. Lynne has navigated high-pressure production deadlines, the complexities of government negotiations to ensure local crews and businesses benefit, and even the devastation of losing Stage 8 to fire. Yet, through every challenge, she has steered the Studios forward with resilience and vision.
Hosting blockbuster productions such as Aquaman and Thor: Ragnarok has been a career highlight, not only for the prestige of welcoming Hollywood to Queensland, but for the opportunities they create. Each production brings training, skills development, and sustainability to the local industry – contributing to more than $4 billion in production spend attracted to the state.
Now, as President of Village Roadshow Studios, Lynne reflects with pride on a career defined by growth and community. Her passion remains focused on the future: continuing to expand, driving sustainability, and ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers and crews have the training and opportunities to thrive.
Three decades on, Lynne’s story is not just one of personal success, but of shaping an industry and putting Queensland firmly on the global filmmaking map.
