‘A mini-Disney’: A new production studio is set to open in the heart of Watson
Posted on
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment is set to open a new Virtual Production Studio in Watson, changing the game for Canberra creatives interested in the film industry.
Currently going through the Development Application (DA) process, the studio is set to start operating in June 2027, incorporating cutting-edge virtual production technology and bridging the gap between education and employment, giving students hands-on experience with industry professionals.
Featuring classrooms, a soundstage, workshop, green rooms, ADR, Foley rooms, and a recording studio, the aim of the Virtual Production Studio is to create opportunities for local talent to stay and work in Canberra, attract industry professionals and build a thriving film industry presence.
According to award winning actor and co-founder of Dems Entertainment Emily De Margheriti, it’s something she wishes she had in Canberra before she launched her own career in the industry.
“It would have helped astronomically,” she says.
“I would have felt more apart of the industry, I would have been connected straight away….If you’re constantly training and being educated, that’s one thing. But I think it’s really important to remember a lot of people learn in the workforce.”
With film credits under her belt including unnervingly savage Australian horror movie Sissy and acclaimed period drama Ladies in Black, Emily’s industry experience is far reaching.
Recently returning from combat training with the British Academy of Dramatic Combat in London in preparation for a slate of new female-led films being produced by Dems Entertainment, she says that the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) has a bold vision to empower creatives to tell their stories on a global stage, with Hollywood-level opportunities right here in Canberra.
“For too long, local talent has burst with potential but lacked the infrastructure and opportunities to fully thrive,” she says.
“The Virtual Production Studio known as AIE Studios is sparking a creative revolution, creating high-quality jobs, inspiring the next generation, and building a cultural legacy that Canberra can be proud of — and I believe we’re on the cusp of making that vision a reality.”
Currently awaiting DA approval, Emily and the De Margheriti family (who founded AIE) are calling for community support.
Asking Canberrans to rally and leave positive comments on the DA, she says that every comment can make a real difference in helping them achieve their vision for the future of film.
“It’s taken years to get this off the ground…The community’s feedback can highlight how this project aligns with their passion for the arts and their belief in Canberra’s potential as a cultural and creative centre,” she explains.
“Community feedback helps demonstrate to decision-makers how this project aligns with Canberra’s vision for innovation, cultural growth, environmental responsibility, and economic development. This is more than a development; it’s a movement to change the industry.”
Aiming to unlock Canberra’s creative potential, motivate future artists, and foster a resilient cultural legacy, Emily says that AIE Studios will be like ‘a mini-Disney’.
And as a consistently loud supporter of producing talent-driven, studio-quality genre feature films in Canberra, she says that the city has been waiting a long time for something like this.
“Canberra has so much potential…we really need the community to get involved. A lot of people think their voice doesn’t matter, but it really does.”
“We’re building an industry in Canberra which is much needed.”
Planning to go back to the British Academy of Dramatic Combat to continue training to become “the next Jackie Chan or Jason Statham” for upcoming Dems Entertainment projects currently under negotiations. Emily is set to star in three upcoming films. The first is, “Salvation,” a screenplay by Michael Rosen and Donal Gibson, who is the brother of Mel Gibson. The second is “Decadence,” which is both written and directed by Harry Crips. Lastly, she will appear in “Elixir,” which is written and directed by Guy Edmonds. While these projects help to keep the lights on, both AIE Studios and Screen Canberra will be looking for additional projects to bring to Canberra.
As the creative force behind Dems Entertainment, Emily will be helping facilitate creative projects, and nurture talent through her role in choosing scripts, working with writers, directors, and producers.
Looking to the future, it’s Key Light bright. And with comments open to the public until Friday 7 November it’s a unique chance to change industry standards and leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and hope for the arts community.
“It’s about unlocking Canberra’s potential, inspiring future generations, and building a legacy of resilience, creativity, and hope,” says Emily.
“The community engagement can be a catalyst for real change… Together, we can empower our local arts community, foster diverse storytelling, and create a legacy that lasts for generations.”
To leave a comment on the DA, follow this guide and visit planning.act.gov.au.
For more information, visit aie.edu.au or follow Emily at @emilyjanede or @demsentertainment.
Feature image: Alex Vaughan.
