Federal Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Queensland Minister for the Arts Ian Walker today welcomed The Walt Disney Studios’ decision to film the fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise in Queensland, Australia. 

“The Australian Government is delighted to have secured high-profile movie franchise Pirates of the Caribbean to film in Australia with a contribution of $21.6 million,” Senator Brandis said

“As a Queensland Senator, I am particularly delighted to have been able to approve this proposal which will be Australia’s largest ever contribution to the financing of a major film.”

“The fifth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchisewill be the largest international feature film ever to shoot in Australia and will focus the world’s attention on Australia as a leading film destination. Our investment in attracting the film to Australia will result in substantial benefits for the screen industry and economy.”

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said the Disney film would bring in about $100 million to Queensland and create thousands of local jobs.

“Queensland leads Australia in attracting international film productions in the past financial year and this project is another boost to the screen industry,” Mr Newman said.

“We’re delighted to welcome Disney for filming and we’re incredibly proud to showcase Queensland to the rest of the world.”

Queensland Arts Minister Ian Walker said a united effort between the Australian and State governments put a strong creative and financial argument in place which ensured Queensland was the most attractive commercial option.

“The last major productions to film here were San Andreas, which employed more than 3,000 Queensland crew, cast, contractors and extras and Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken, which employed about 3,180 locals,” Mr Walker said.

“This fifth Pirates of the Caribbean productionis a bigger film in terms of expenditure than either of those big budget films, so the economic benefits to the state will be powerful.”

Mr Walker said pre-production would start early this month with principal photography anticipated to begin in February next year. The film will also be shooting at the Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.

“International productions such as this Walt Disney Studios film play a large role in the economic, employment and skills development opportunities to Queensland’s creative talent and technicians.   They increase investment in new technology, equipment and other infrastructure and we are thrilled to see Pirates 5 sail into Queensland,” said Tracey Vieira, CEO of Screen Queensland.

The fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg.  The film is slated to be released in cinemas worldwide in July 2017.