Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the proposal, planning and design of the Adelaide Studios?
The creation of the Adelaide Studios was motivated by needs identified by the South Australian Film Industry over many years. The SAFC was involved in the proposal since its inception, and was able to announce approval of the project by the South Australian Government in 2008.
Extensive industry consultation to develop the plans was taken place since the announcement of the project’s approval. In conjunction with Arts SA, the SAFC asked for advice, specific technical and operational requirements and general industry needs when designing Adelaide Studios. This consultation was branched across all areas of the project, including requirements for productions, sound facilities, and general tenant space.
Vast considerations were made when determining the positioning of the production areas and sound stages to be constructed, to ensure that the facilities would meet the industry’s needs as specifically as possible. Industry representative bodies and experienced industry members in the areas of production, post production and sound, art department, wardrobe, lighting, exhibition and other areas were contacted and encouraged to give as much detailed input as possible. The result was been a design which will best serve the needs of all users of the facility.
The construction of Adelaide Studios followed best practice principles for project management and procurement. A Steering Committee was established to overview the project, ensuring that it was effectively managed and met accountability and prudential management requirements.
A Project Control Group, which included the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) (the project risk manager), Arts SA, SAFC, the architect, cost manager and managing contractor, managed the day-to-day aspects of the project.
Grieve Gillett Pty Ltd is a progressive architectural, interior design, heritage and urban design practice, located in Adelaide. Their experience includes: public buildings, performing and visual arts venues, education facilities, tourism, transport, commercial and retail developments, office fit-outs and residential projects. Clients include government, cultural institutions and the private sector. Grieve Gillett were involved in the project since early 2008 and was the lead professional consultant for the project.
How much does it cost to use Adelaide Studios?
Click here for more information on the facilities avaliable at Adelaide Studios.
How has tenant space been allocated?
Adelaide Studios boasts 26 tenants, ranging from writers, animators, web developers, communications, advertising, casting agents, production houses, sound editors, and film directors. There's the Adelaide Film Festival and the Australian International Documentary Conference.
You can read about all the tenants in the full Adelaide Studios Tenant Directory .
What is the ownership model of Adelaide Studios and who is responsible for what?
Adelaide Studios is governed by Arts SA. Arts SA owns the buildings within the precinct and the land itself. The SAFC is the “anchor tenant” within this facility, providing services to the industry within the areas for which it has been given responsibility.
Arts SA responsibility:
¤ All issues relating to the upkeep of the building and the surrounding lands
¤ Maintenance of heritage standard of these buildings
¤ General maintenance of the site
¤ Security
¤ Cleaning
¤ Remaining area of Admin building that is not controlled by the SAFC as administration or tenant space.
South Australian Film Corporation responsibility:
¤ Administration in the main building
¤ 1000m2 of unfurnished tenant space
¤ Production facilities
¤ Sound facilities
Will the building be networked?
Adelaide Studios uses the local Cinenet network; a high-speed broadband data network created by filmmakers specifically for screen media industries.
What parking considerations have been made?
Adelaide Studios has been allocated 150 car parks within the precinct. There is also an allowance for overflow to an area shared between the Adelaide Studios and Health Precinct. Screen Centre users may operate under a parking permit system for these parks. The truck car park (12 truck capacity) will be an area at the back of the sound stages with a lockable fence around the perimeter.
What sort of site access and security can be expected?
The site area is currently a public space, and elements of Adelaide Studios will continue to be publicly accessible, while sound stages and surrounding areas will be locked off to the general public. Main access to the site will be via Fullarton Road.
Various low impact, high security options are being explored to provide private access for productions while maintaining the current visual aspect of the site.
Closed circuit TV and security patrols will ensure the safety on site to all clients, visitors and employees.
How will the government money be spent in the redevelopment?
Approximately $8 million will be spent on refurbishment and adaptive reuse of the main administration building (clock tower). These works will provide 961 square metres of lettable space for film industry tenants in addition to the 532 square metres for the SAFC administration (a total of 1493 square metres to be used by the film industry) plus conservation works to this significant state heritage listed building.
The remainder of the budget includes the construction of studios and associated production and post production facilities (approximately $19.6m), civil works and landscaping (approximately $5.5m), professional fees, project costs and disbursements (approximately $4.9m), demolition costs (approximately $300,000) and a contingency of approximately $4m.
Where do I find more information?
Please contact Sharon Cleary, Communications Manager at the South Australian Film Corporation for further information and enquiries.