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Meet the SA Service Provider: Sunjive Studios

17 October 2025
(L-R) Diabolic, photo by Ian Routledge; Sunjive Studios in use, image provided; Thou Shalt Not Steal, photo by Ian Routledge

South Australia is home to an extensive network of screen service providers. The SAFC’s Adelaide Studios offers a world-class screen production facility as well as serving as a creative hub for dozens of South Australian screen businesses and screen practitioners. It’s also part of a larger ecosystem of outstanding facilities available to local and visiting productions.

Sunjive Studios Adelaide is one of these screen production facilities. Based in Adelaide’s western suburbs, just a 20 minute drive from the CBD, Sunjive has a range of spaces available for hire.  This includes two sound stages, production offices, art department and wardrobe, a Dolby Atmos mixing theatre, plus foley, edit and colour grading suites.

Recent SAFC supported productions to use the facilities include critically acclaimed Stan Original series Thou Shalt Not Steal and horror film Diabolic from SA writer/director Daniel J. Phillips — which is set to make its world premiere tonight, 17 October, as part of the Adelaide Film Festival.

Ahead of seeing Sunjive Studios on the big screen, we caught up with Studios Manager Troy Wilkey to learn more about the facilities on offer and how Sunjive fits into the larger network of South Australian screen service providers.


What is Sunjive Studios

Sunjive Studios Adelaide was founded by a collective of filmmakers from across Australia, united by a shared vision to create more than just a studio — a creative hub where productions of every scale can thrive. Each founder brings unique experience and expertise, allowing us to offer a broader range of services than a traditional studio.

With two large sound stages and full production facilities, Sunjive Studios provides end-to-end production support, including financing, rebate lending, equipment hire, and complete production services. Whether you’re a local creator or an international production setting up in Australia, we make the process seamless by offering everything you need under one roof.

With our combination of technical capability, creative insight, and industry know-how, Sunjive Studios is truly a one-stop destination for filmmakers looking to bring their stories to life in Australia.

What is your role?

As the Studios and Facilities Manager, I oversee the day-to-day operations of Sunjive Studios, ensuring productions have everything they need to run smoothly from start to finish. My role bridges creative and logistical support — managing bookings, coordinating with clients, and tailoring studio services to meet each production’s unique requirements.

I also manage the facilities side of the business, including studio maintenance, equipment, and technical infrastructure, making sure our spaces remain production-ready and operate at the highest standard. By combining hands-on problem solving with client-focused service, I act as the central point of contact for filmmakers, helping to deliver a seamless experience for every project hosted at Sunjive Studios.

You’ve recently hosted SAFC-supported projects like Diabolic and Thou Shalt Not Steal at Sunjive Studios. How did those productions make use of the facilities and services on offer?

Both Thou Shalt Not Steal and Diabolic made extensive use of what Sunjive Studios has to offer. For Thou Shalt Not Steal, the production was housed entirely on-site, taking advantage of our production offices, make-up room, wardrobe, art department spaces, one of our sound stages, and the backlot for a one-day shoot.

Diabolic showcased Sunjive as a true one-stop shop. The production utilised our full suite of facilities, including production offices, makeup and wardrobe rooms, art department spaces, the Dolby Atmos mixing theatre, colour grading suite, green rooms, and the backlot. They also took advantage of our equipment hire and financing options, which made the process seamless and efficient. Both productions highlight how Sunjive supports projects from pre-production through post, offering everything a production needs under one roof.

What are some of your favourite projects made at Sunjive Studios? 

Sunjive Studios has a rich history. The buildings previously housed the SAFC’s Adelaide Studios before the relocation to Glenside. So many iconic projects found a home at Hendon during those years, such as Shine, Wolf Creek, Breaker Morant, and Bad Boy Bubby.

More recently, standout projects have included feature films like Diabolic, as well as completing the post sound for the international box office hit King of Kings.

It’s exciting to continue that legacy while supporting both local and international productions with comprehensive end-to-end production services.

What’s the best thing about being part of South Australia’s ecosystem of screen service providers?

The best part of being part of South Australia’s screen ecosystem is the combination of strong infrastructure, skilled local crews, and supportive government incentives. For Sunjive Studios, this means we can offer productions a complete, efficient solution – from newly renovated facilities to equipment and production services – all within a collaborative, well-connected industry network.

What makes South Australia such a unique location for film and TV production?

South Australia stands out for its incredible variety and accessibility. Just a short drive from Adelaide, productions can access stunning coastlines, rugged outback landscapes, historic towns, and lush wine regions – all in one state. Coupled with world-class studios, a skilled local workforce, and strong government support and incentives, it’s a highly efficient and versatile place to bring any film or TV project to life.

What’s coming up for Sunjive Studios?

We’re currently in discussions with several productions, and it’s shaping up to be a really exciting period ahead for Sunjive Studios.

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