When it comes to cinematic storytelling that dives deep, literally, Queensland is a sought-after destination for aquatic film production. Boasting world-class studio facilities, sun-drenched coastlines and lush rainforest rivers, this dynamic state offers an unmatched variety of water-based filming opportunities.
From shark-infested thrillers to real-life rescue missions, Queensland knows how to shoot a water scene.
Dangerous Animals
The latest film to make an international splash is Brouhaha Entertainment’s Dangerous Animals—a tense, ocean-bound thriller set on the Gold Coast and filmed day and night on local waterways. Directed by Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones, Devil’s Candy) and written by Nick Lepard (Keeper), the film stars Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone), Jai Courtney (Terminator Genisys) and Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High, Dune: Prophecy).
Supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, Dangerous Animals combines gripping suspense with physically and technically demanding aquatic sequences, realised by Queensland’s highly skilled crew base.
Integral to the production were local screen businesses SteadiWaves, a recipient of Screen Queensland’s Capital Grants Program, whose underwater cinematography helped bring the film’s immersive scenes to life, and Ausfilm members The Rebel Fleet, who provided real-time post and on-set monitoring tools. Together, they ensured a seamless and efficient shoot from start to finish.
Brouhaha Entertainment is no stranger to filming in Queensland, including co-producing Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe and providing production services on the upcoming destination comedy Spa Weekend.
Producer Troy Lum said that his experience shooting Dangerous Animals was made particularly successful because of the crew and local screen businesses.
What was the inspiration behind setting Dangerous Animals on the Gold Coast?
Writer Nick Lepard came up with the idea during his time in California where he was working, and of course, surfing a great deal. There were several reasons to bring the film to Queensland. Notably, the Gold Coast’s world-class surf beaches and the stunning coastal backdrop. Additionally, the competitive incentives Screen Queensland and the Australian Government offer to local and international productions.
In what ways did local crew and businesses support the complex requirements of a water-based production?
Not only were we shooting on location in real coastal waters, but we shot most of the film at night, which certainly added to the complexity of shooting in the water. Fortunately we had a fantastic local underwater cinematographer, Nathan Frost (founder of SteadiWaves), and an incredible team of marine safety crew who have extensive experience with water-based productions on the Gold Coast. This film wouldn’t have been possible without them.
Given we brought to them a fairly complicated water-based production, the crew showed up on set each day with an incredible sense of teamwork and tenacity, and our local suppliers came to the table with a solutions-oriented approach and friendliness.
What advice would you give to other productions considering Queensland for ambitious aquatic sequences?
I’d suggest engaging with local marine coordination experts and safety teams early in pre-production. Their knowledge of tides, currents, climate and marine life is essential to a smooth and safe shoot.
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Dangerous Animals joins a growing slate of Screen Queensland-supported productions that have taken advantage of the state’s aquatic filming capabilities, including Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives—a powerful retelling of the Thai cave rescue—which required meticulous technical precision.
“There are many advantages here, it’s tropical, we can double Thailand exterior, we’ve got the expertise, the first-class crews to be able to execute water work, the builders to build these very accurate sets.”
John Kuyper, Producer on Thirteen Lives
Tanks on tap
Marvel blockbuster Aquaman, the epic series Nautilus and Australian film True Spirit are just some of the many productions to use Village Roadshow Studios’ water tanks, with the highly sought-after Main Tank offering a vast surface area of 1,200m2 (12,915sq ft), making it the largest purpose-built offering in Australia .
While the Gold Coast is renowned for its expansive outdoor tanks, the team at Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane recently collaborated with producers Bronte Pictures to install one of Australia’s largest indoor water tanks for the forthcoming World War II thriller Beast of War, directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. The installation—featuring a 20-metre (65.6-foot) diameter, 2-metre (6.6-foot) depth, and a 15 x 15 metre (49.2 x 49.2-foot) crew platform—marked a significant development for the studio.
Natural wonders
From the southern stretches of the Gold Coast to tropical Far North Queensland, the sunshine state attracts a plethora of productions seeking extraordinary aquatic landscapes. Locations like the Daintree River, Cobbold Gorge and Blencoe Falls are natural film sets that present a range of possibilities.
As filmmakers increasingly seek locations that offer natural beauty, experienced crews and world-class aquatic infrastructure, Queensland delivers on all fronts. From ocean to rainforest, studio to stream, whatever the story, make it in Queensland.
Following its world premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes, Dangerous Animals is now screening in cinemas worldwide through Kismet Movies and IFC Films.
Screen Queensland is the state government-owned screen agency for one of Australia’s leading production destinations, offering bespoke location services and competitive incentives. The Production Attraction Incentive is available to productions with a minimum spend of AU$3.5 million in the state and can be used in conjunction with the federal government’s Location Offset. The 15 per cent Post, Digital, Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive is available to projects spending a minimum AU$250,000 on qualifying PDV. Screen Queensland also offers location and scouting assistance.
For more information about Screen Queensland Studios, incentives, location services and Queensland-based post-production facilities, contact:
LOCATIONS AND INCENTIVES
Naomi Wenck – Head of Production Attraction
SCREEN QUEENSLAND STUDIOS
Mark Melrose – Head of Studios and Physical Production
+61 401 965 083