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NEW SOUTH WALES — Locations Overview
Capital City: Sydney
Population (Greater Sydney): approx. 5.4 million
New South Wales is Australia’s busiest and most complex screen production state, offering unmatched scale across urban, suburban, coastal and regional environments. Sydney is a globally recognised production centre, regularly doubling for international cities while also supporting large-scale studio-based productions and high-volume commercial work.
NSW’s screen industry is underpinned by deep crew bases, extensive production services, world-class studios and post-production facilities, and a long history of hosting major international and domestic projects. The state supports everything from high-end drama and feature films to fast-turnaround commercials and factual production.
Locations across NSW range from dense CBD environments and iconic harbour settings to regional towns, agricultural land, coastline, mountains and desert-like interiors. This diversity, combined with strong state incentives, makes NSW a core jurisdiction for long-form and inbound production.
Practical Considerations When Filming in New South Wales
Filming in NSW — particularly in Sydney — requires realistic planning, strong local knowledge and early engagement.
Sydney’s population density, traffic congestion and high-volume public use can significantly impact access, parking, unit bases and filming windows. Inner-city councils often operate with strict conditions around noise, access and community impact, and location feasibility should be assessed early.
With Greater Sydney’s population exceeding 5.4 million, Location Professionals should factor in:
High pedestrian and vehicle congestion
Complex traffic management requirements
Limited parking and unit base availability in CBD and inner suburbs
Increased consultation with residents, traders and precinct managers
NSW operates across a large number of metropolitan and regional councils, state agencies and land managers. Approval requirements and turnaround times vary widely depending on location type, scale and impact.
Working with Councils & Agencies in New South Wales
NSW is a state where experience matters.
For complex or high-impact locations, Location Professionals should:
Confirm council jurisdiction and land ownership early
Allow time for layered approvals and stakeholder consultation
Anticipate detailed conditions for traffic, noise and public access
Engage the state screen authority early for strategic guidance
Smaller productions can still move efficiently in NSW, but only when expectations are aligned with local processes and timelines.
Agencies to Allow Extra Time For
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS): Responsible for national parks, reserves and protected land.
Environmental and heritage assessments may be required
Drone use and night filming require additional approvals
Remote and sensitive locations involve extended consultation
Transport for NSW: Required for filming impacting roads, rail corridors and major transport infrastructure.
Traffic management planning is critical
Longer lead times apply for arterial roads and CBD locations
Councils Known for Variable Turnaround
Some NSW councils are highly experienced with screen production, while others operate with tighter restrictions and longer assessment periods. Outcomes improve significantly when applications are clear, realistic and supported by experienced Location Professionals familiar with local expectations.
Studios
Fox Studios Australia (Sydney)
One of Australia’s largest studio facilities, supporting large-scale features, television and international productions.
ABC Studios Sydney
Television-focused production facilities supporting drama, factual and broadcast content.
NSW also hosts a wide network of post-production, VFX and sound facilities across Sydney and regional hubs.
State Screen Authority — Screen NSW
Screen NSW is New South Wales’ state screen agency, supporting production through funding, incentives and production attraction services. The agency works closely with Location Professionals, producers and councils to facilitate approvals, provide strategic guidance and support both domestic and international productions across the state.
First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations — NEW SOUTH WALES
Location Professionals working in New South Wales must consider Aboriginal cultural heritage, community engagement and Country-specific protocols as an integral part of the location process.
Requirements vary depending on land ownership, local council, state agency and the relevant Aboriginal Land Council or Traditional Owner group. Filming on national parks, waterways, coastal areas, regional land, reserves and culturally sensitive sites may trigger consultation, cultural heritage assessments or formal approvals under New South Wales legislation.
Early and respectful engagement is essential. Location teams should allow adequate time for consultation, ensure the correct Aboriginal Land Council or Traditional Owner group is identified and contacted, and comply with any guidance provided regarding access, activity restrictions or site protection.
In New South Wales, understanding when Aboriginal consultation is required — and navigating multiple layers of council, agency and Land Council involvement — is a core responsibility of Location Professionals, particularly on projects involving regional, environmental or high-impact locations.
new south wales
ALMG’s New South Wales State Representatives
SCREEN NSW
Screen New South Wales is New South Wales’ state screen agency, supporting Location Professionals and productions with guidance on permits, public agency processes and film-friendly pathways across NSW. The agency works closely with councils, state agencies and industry to assist with complex approvals, location strategy and production logistics, particularly for high-impact, metropolitan and international projects.
Screen NSW also provides funding and incentives, supports inbound productions, and offers practical location and production liaison services to help projects move efficiently and compliantly across the state.
Phone: +61 2 8575 1700
80 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000 Australia
MAIN CONTACT: Mark Lazarus
Senior Manager, Production Attraction
production@screen.nsw.gov.au
NEW SOUTH WALES Resources
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Screen Australia
Screen Australia is the Australian Government’s national screen agency, supporting the development, production, promotion and distribution of Australian screen content across film, television, documentary, online and interactive platforms. They provide funding, industry research, market intelligence and administer key federal programs including the Producer Offset and Official Co-production Program, helping productions navigate national frameworks and build sustainable screen businesses.
Email: enquiries@screenaustralia.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 8113 5800
Address:
Level 7, 45 Murray Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Screen Australia’s Upcoming Productions listings and industry data are widely used as a national reference point, although listings are curated and may not reflect early-stage or confidential productions.
NATIONAL Resources
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