The studio formerly known as Melbourne Central City Studios, is now officially embracing its location on prime Docklands land, and changing its title to Docklands Studios Melbourne, signaling a new era for the business.

The facility is now a government owned enterprise, and Chief Executive Officer, Rod Allen explains that there are already plans for expansion underway, thanks to a $10 million investment commitment from the Victorian State Government.

Docklands Studios already houses some of Australia\'s most well known television shows like Talkin\' \'Bout Your Generation and Australia\'s Got Talent as well as the hotly anticipated Australian Iron Chef, but as Rod explains, size really does matter when you\'re dealing with big productions. More room to move will mean an even bigger capacity to cater to large scale projects.

Having already contributed to the creation of films like Master and Commander, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Where the Wild Things Are, Rod is keen to see that Docklands continues to compete in the international film production market.

Rod also acknowledges that international demand for the facility is at the mercy of the exchange rate. A lower exchange rate inevitably makes filming in Australia more attractive for international productions, and when an international production comes to town there are huge benefits to the local economy. Figures indicate The Pacific injected approximately $110 million back into Melbourne and surrounds. Rod explains that recent international television mini series, was the biggest ever shot, and thanks to Docklands Studios, Melbourne reaped the benefits.

Far from catering just to big business though, Rod advocates smaller productions too, insisting that this facility should be one that everyone has access to. With a significant list of Australian film and television projects already completed at the site, Rod looks forward to seeing new films come to Docklands, large and small.

Channel 9 has also confirmed that their locally produced shows will be moving to Docklands Studios.