Show Group has been at the heart of film and TV travel management and logistics in Australia for over 45 years. What started in 1979 as a freight and logistics company for live music (Showfreight) evolved into a full-service travel and freight operation, launching Showtravel in 1982. By 1989, Showfilm was born, going on to manage some of the largest and most memorable film productions and TV series filmed down under, cementing Show Group’s role in Australia’s booming film & TV production industry. Today, Show Group stands as one of Australia’s top travel management providers for domestic and international film and TV productions, delivering the kind of seamless, reliable experience that only comes from decades of hands-on expertise.
To celebrate Show Group’s legacy, we caught up with those who helped shape it. Stephen Rutter spent 15 years with Show Group, starting in 2000 as National Account Manager for ShowSport, where he managed travel for the Australian Cricket Board. By 2004, his expertise and passion saw him lead business development for Showfilm, playing a key role in positioning the brand as a market leader across the Asia Pacific and leaving a lasting impact on both the business and clients.
“I was with the company from 2000 to 2015, and it truly felt like a family. I wasn’t from Sydney originally, but the culture made me want to stay and work hard”. Read on for a glimpse into the productions, people, and culture that made Show Group an industry leader.
Behind the Scenes of Iconic Productions
Show Group has been part of some of the biggest productions to grace Aussie shores. Few can top Mad Max: Fury Road, where the team were engaged for eight years, navigating logistics from Broken Hill to Namibia. Recalling his experience, Stephen shares:
“My very first meeting with the production team was at George Miller’s Orwell St Cinema—no script, just storyboards. We worked through the logistics scene by scene. Big kudos to Trent for chartering the ship and managing over 5,000 freight movements. What a ride!”
Beyond Mad Max, Show Group became the trusted travel partner for countless productions, including long-running television series. What set Show Group apart wasn’t just expertise; it was the deep relationships built along the way.
“Show Group really stood out for building lifelong relationships with clients; it came down to our people and the pride they took in their work.”
Industry Shifts and Show Group’s Adaptability
Over the last 50 years, the Australian film industry has experienced numerous shifts, with the Australian Government’s introduction of film industry incentives in the form of tax offsets being one of the biggest. Beginning at 15%, having since increased up to 40% for domestic theatrical productions, these tax offsets changed the Aussie film industry forever, and Show Group was ready to ride the wave.
As Stephen puts it, “We were in the right place at the right time; we just leaned in. From 2004 to 2015, our recurring revenue grew exponentially—not including the film expenditure that went through Show Freight. It was a wild time, and we scaled fast.”
Despite multiple ownership changes—Ansett Airlines in 1989, Avis Budget Group in 2001, Helloworld Travel in 2018, and Corporate Travel Management (CTM) in 2022—Show Group remains a constant force in entertainment travel, adapting to the industry’s needs without losing its identity and the edge that sets Show Group apart.
The People Who Made It Happen
While the company’s success was built on innovation and strategy, it was the people behind the scenes who made it truly special. The relationships forged at Show Group went beyond just colleagues; they became mentors, leaders, and lifelong friends.
Reflecting on those who influenced him most during his time, Stephen shares, “I had the privilege of learning from some incredible people. Jenny gave me the freedom to build the Showsport brand. Claudia was always there with answers and calm under pressure. Lyn was my “work mum”—the heart of the place. And Graham taught me to lead independently—but with just enough pressure to do so well”.
One of Show Group’s greatest industry influences was Graham Fear, its longest-serving General Manager, who was honoured in 2019 when Village Roadshow Studios named their travel building after him.
Despite its growth and changes in ownership, Show Group maintained a rare sense of camaraderie. The team worked hard, solved problems fast, and always had each other’s backs.
“Even with the ownership changes, from Ansett to Avis, the spirit of the place never wavered. That’s rare.”
Unforgettable Travel Moments
Film production travel goes beyond arranging flights, accommodation, and transport; it’s about embracing the unpredictable and problem-solving on the go to ensure your people have an experience that is as smooth as if everything went according to plan. For the team at Show Group, no challenge was too big; as Stephen describes, “There was no fanfare; we just got it done”.
Working in the film production travel orbit certainly has its perks, and for Stephen, a stand-out memory was visiting Lucas Ranch in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.
“Every detail was meticulously designed, from the Star Wars-inspired décor at their private hotel to their Black fire trucks, a surreal sense of being immersed in cinematic history. Every part of the experience made the madness of entertainment travel feel completely worth it”.
The Legacy Lives On
Through decades of evolution, Show Group has remained a trusted name in film and TV travel. From major Hollywood productions to Australian TV series, our team have impacted Australia’s film and TV industry.
But what made Show Group truly special? It wasn’t just the big-name clients or blockbuster productions; it was the people behind the scenes who made it happen, the relationships that stood the test of time, and the belief that no challenge was too great.
“Those were the moments that made it all more than just a job. Stressful? Always. But memorable? Absolutely.”
With over 45 years behind us and an exciting future ahead, Show Group’s story is far from over. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series as we continue to celebrate the journey.
Looking for an experienced travel management partner? Contact Show Group today and level up your production’s travel experience.
Phone (AUS): 1800 221 027
Phone (International): +61 2 8302 2599
showgrouptravel.com