Queensland is scoring behind the scenes with the outlandish feature Balls Up adding to a growing slate of global screen projects made in Australia’s sunshine state.
The Amazon MGM Studios and Skydance film from director Peter Farrelly stars Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser in a fast-paced comedy following two marketing executives who pitch a sponsorship with the World Cup, only to spark a global scandal that sends everything, quite literally, balls up!
The film follows the pair on an unapologetically absurd adventure across Brazil, Argentina and New York, with Queensland doubling for global locations including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and the Brazilian rainforest. Across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Balls Up transforms iconic landmarks, contemporary cityscapes and suburban locations into an international playground of comedy and chaos.
“With its wide variety of urban and rural locations coupled with a robust incentive program and talented crew base, Queensland was the perfect choice to base our production”
Brad Carlson, Executive Vice President of Physical Production at Skydance
Brisbane: Building the City at Scale
Brisbane’s city centre played a key role in recreating Brazil’s civic heart, with City Hall and King George Square providing size, spectacle and flexibility for large-scale chase scenes. Their heritage charm and expansive public spaces ensured the production could go big without missing a beat.
In Brisbane’s inner-south, streets were transformed into Rio with fruit carts and detailed set dressing creating a vibrant Brazilian streetscape. Across Fortitude Valley and Woolloongabba, a mix of urban grit and contemporary architecture provided a versatile canvas for international settings, brought to life by a rich mix of local cast and crew.
Queensland’s Gold Coast: Where Natural Diversity Meets World-Class Infrastructure
On the Gold Coast, diverse natural landscapes brought Brazil’s lush environments to life. From the dense rainforests of Tallebudgera Valley and Tamborine Mountain to the sweeping waterways of the Coomera River, these locations offered a rich, cinematic backdrop—proving Queensland’s versatility is anything but a stretch.
The production also utilised the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios where large and intricate sets were built by skilled local craftspeople and the studio’s highly sought-after 12,915 sq ft water tank – the largest of its kind in Australia – was used to recreate Argentina’s waterways.
For the film’s major sporting moments, the Gold Coast’s Robina Stadium was transformed into the Maracanã Stadium in Brazil. Its scale, infrastructure and production-ready facilities allowed the crew to execute complex, high-intensity scenes of a real football match.
Known for its laid-back lifestyle, world-class accommodation and thriving dining culture, the Gold Coast also boasts a production-friendly environment, experienced crews and direct US flight connections, making it a location that truly delivers on all fronts.
Supported through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and post-production work completed in Brisbane by Rising Sun Pictures, Balls Up has tapped into local talent at every level – reinforcing Queensland’s position as a global production powerhouse.
“I can’t imagine making Balls Up anywhere else in the world and having the production be as successful as it was in Queensland.”
Andrew Muscato, Producer
“Thanks to our amazing crew, we wrapped a few days early and came in under budget. I cannot wait to come back to Queensland for another project. Thank you, Screen Queensland, for having us.”
Marc S. Fischer, Executive Producer
Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy offers incentives for productions spending a minimum of AU$3.5 million in the state. The production received additional support through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital, Visual Effects Incentive, which is available to projects spending a minimum AU$250,000 on qualifying PDV.
The agency also offers location and scouting assistance and operates Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane and Cairns.
