Russell Crowe announces plans to build film studio on Australia's east coast

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe announced plans on Wednesday to build a film studio on Australia's east coast, amid a rush of movie productions Down Under.

The Oscar-winner said the studio would be constructed in Coffs Harbour, south of Brisbane, at a sprawling pre-existing resort complex.

"For a number of years, I've been thinking how I might be able to combine where I live and my work," public broadcaster ABC reported him as saying.

Australia has become a popular filming location during the pandemic, with productions attracted by the country's relatively low rate of Covid infections.

The government has also lured movie producers to Australia's sunny shores by handing out millions of dollars in incentives.

Marvel Studios' Thor: Love and Thunder, MGM's Thirteen Lives, and Blacklight, starring Liam Neeson, are among those to benefit from the grants.

Julia Roberts and George Clooney are also filming Ticket to Paradise in northern Australia this year, while the Mad Max prequel Furiosa is scheduled for production near Sydney in 2022.

Crowe's studio project still requires planning approval but has the backing of local government officials.