by Ben Turner
Likewise, we only need look at the vast array of successful acting talents, particularly those featuring in blockbuster movies during the last three decades or more, many of whom are now internationally famous household names.
The list is practically endless, from Oscar winners like Geoffrey Rush and Russell Crowe or Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, along with currently popular Aussie screen icons like Margot Robbie or Chris Hemsworth.
But what often goes under the radar is how many Australian actors and actresses have also worked on video games, which as an entertainment medium, now vastly outperforms both music and movies combined in terms of annual revenues.
Indeed, there has been an increased crossover and merging of the different entertainment mediums, particularly when looking at movies and gaming, with both having become almost symbiotic in the digital age of online streaming and mobile technologies.
Furthermore, the Australian film and games production industries now find themselves at the cutting edge of these respective and collective fields, generating significant international investment for domestic projects that ultimately reach a global audience.
Russell Crowe studio project includes a gaming hub
As one of the most successful Australian actors, Russell Crowe has regularly appeared in large scale productions that achieved major success at box offices around the world. Now the screen veteran is dedicating more of his time to directing and producing films.
Despite the fact that Gladiator hit cinema screens more than two decades ago, the movie still captivates audiences today, even having inspired one of the most popular Australian online pokies themed around the film. It even continues to feature the likeness of Crowe in his iconic role as Maximus.
Crowe also remains firmly grounded in Aussie pop culture, given that gambling was also the theme of 2022 movie Poker Face, combining roles as actor and director, producer and screenplay writer. It also highlighted his desire to step away from the Hollywood scene and bring projects back to Australia.
Although he was born in New Zealand, Crowe was raised in Australia from an early age. This is also the country he considers home, and that becomes abundantly clear from his residence near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. The coastal resort town will also be the base for his most ambitious project to date.
Back in 2021, Crowe was part of a group of investors, announcing development plans for a major film studio precinct at Coffs Harbour, which is due to break ground early in 2024. Fondly dubbed “Aussiewood” by locals, this venue will feature five large sound studios, making it one of the most important production locations in Australia.
Other features include facilities for animation and post-production studios for visual effects, both of which are mindful of the crossover between the movie and games industries. Furthermore, this exciting new location will incorporate a major esports hub, highlighting a keen awareness of how popular competitive online gaming has become.
Huge demand for Aussie VFX and games production
Think about pretty much any big-budget blockbuster that’s filled with CGI effects, especially over the last few years, and there’s a great chance the stunning visuals will have been produced by studios in Australia.
“I can’t think of any aspect – creatures, environments, etc – that isn’t on par with the work coming out of any of the world’s main VFX hubs, including London and Vancouver.” – James McQuaide, Senior VP of production at Lakeshore Entertainment, enthused at the Ausfilm website.
And many of the same Australian VFX studios are also deeply involved with the games industry, as graphics capabilities across PC and console platforms continue to evolve, bringing photo-realistic imagery and animation to some of the biggest AAA titles.
In fact, during the last decade Australia has become one of the key hubs for games development, boosted by state and national government support, plus a highly educated and skilled workforce of specialised talents.
As the games and movie industry segments continue to merge their efforts, Aussie production companies and studios are certainly reaping the benefits, making the country a global leader in the digital entertainment age.
Many of the most creative and innovative ideas are hailing from Down Under, which means that for many years to come, gaming will continue to shape modern cinema and vice-versa.
