I worked there. Bit of info, the Simpson's attraction was closed down the day Matt Groening came to Sydney to see it. He hated it and said that's not how Simpson's was made.
I was the longest standing employee of this extraordinary experience. Makes me so sad to see what transpired. Got my 3 yr pin, from build to bye bye. Had the privilege of working with an amazing array of characters that I'm proud to say because my friends and family to this day. Thankyou fox, as hard as it was to say goodbye, many happy days were spent there.xx
I did twelve months from beginning. Great memories of the whole experience. Feel very blessed being a part of Australia moving forward in a big way. Awesome move Rupert
I remember going to Fox Studios when I was a kid. We did the Titanic experience. I must say that it is something I will never forget. It was awesome. They deserved the awards for it.
The first power rangers film was filmed there along with a good chunk of mmpr s2 the titanic experience building showed up in return of the green ranger.
Man sydney was such a wonderous place for a kid back then. Fox backlot, Imax, Segaworld, the aquarium, Techno City, Luna Park, Wonderland. Channel V had jabba doing live shows out of the sanity at moore park. Social Media was a mistake.
So true!... I got out of Sydney 10 years ago and thank god I did! Every time I return on a business trip or to visit friends, I can’t believe just how it has changed for the worse! I can’t wait to get back home, virtually within minutes of arriving lol
I’ve worked at Fox Studios since 1999 on the movies that are made there. I can confirm it was always set up to fail after 2 years so that Fox could repurpose the sound stages for movies. The Matrix Reloaded-Revolutions was being shot as the backload started closing to the public, and that production immediately took over the space. No coincidence it was totally planned.
@@brettjones4733 And if it flopped, Fox gets all of the sound stages without having to share them with the public, that’s roughly a 30% increase in lot size without having to pay anything extra. What gets me is that it’s supposed to be Commonwealth public land & now federation buildings on the lot are totally inaccessible to the general public for many generations to come.
And now there's a new theme park. It's called 21 century fox world in Malaysia but DISNEY BLOCK IT AND THEY WANT TO SUE MALAYSIA CAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO BUILD RIGHT NEXT TO CASINO???
Em Radford I know this makes me so upset titanic, babe and the simpsons were like my favourite things to watch as a 6 year old I’m like sitting here crying because the only way I can remember it is through photo albums, if I had a time machine I’d go back to fox studios theme park for the day and get a photo kissing Edward scissor hands
There’s lots of documentary channels centered on theme parks on UA-cam but this one is criminally underrated. Such great content! Looking forward to more!
Wow, thanks for the flashback. My first job out of school while a studing at Uni was at Sega World. When that closed down I got a job at Fox Studios before it even opened. I hated it so much that a week after getting the job and about a week before it opened I just stopped turning up to work. Aside from the Titanic experience it was a pretty terrible excuse for a theme park.
Incredible here in Mexico with the props Fox sent, they first opened a theme park too, in Rosarito (the actual Titanic film Location) but also for lack of visitors they closed it and now is also a filming studios just like there in Australia
I lived in Sydney when the theme park still existed. The Titanic Experience was extremely well done. Channel V was broadcast from there. Saw a free show by The Dandy Warhols one freezing Friday night. The movie theatre was awesome and the place was always busy. I moved from Sydney in 2005. I had some great experiences at Fox Studios.
Wow The Titanic Experience looked awesome, those are the types of attractions that Universal studio's Florida used to have but are now closing down in favour of either VR experiences or Roller Coasters, personally I would like to see a return to the good old family attractions like Jaws, Kongfrontation and the Titanic one in your video.
I've shot a bunch of TV shows and movies in this studio, I remember accidentally walking onto the set of Alien Covenant one day and thinking to myself "strewth, we're shooting some weird shit today" and then a very mean looking fella asked me what I was doing there and escorted me out, it's still a pretty magical place in those studios!
I went there for the Titanic experience and wasn’t disappointed. It was pretty awesome. The rest of the exhibits there were good too. Glad I got to experience it.
It's interesting how popular the whole "movie studio backlot" theme was for a while there. It didn't seem to matter whether there was an actual working backlot there or not. These days even the surviving parks with that theme seem to be moving away from it: there are certainly still movie-themed attractions but less of the "behind the scenes" conceit, which only ever really worked in a couple of places.
It was an interesting era for Theme Parks for sure, and probably a cheap one too where highly themed lands could be replaced by big tan "soundstages". Most of the interest in these parks seem to fall when things like DVD Extras started showing us "behind the scenes" on films, and the allure and mystery of movie making was wiped away. - Luke
So glad I got to experience this. My uncle took me and my brothers and it was an unforgettable experience. Still have photos of this day and the titanic experience.
Thanks for the kind words! It's a shame that the park was so short-lived, the Titanic attraction deserved so many more guests than it ended up receiving! - Luke
I remember going there as a kid and watched them filming Channel V, just near the entrance. "Jabba" was filming and would smoke darts between songs and ad breaks, and would keep the lit cigarette on the concrete floor while filming
FOX tried again to open another park under the name 20th Century Fox World Malaysia in Genting, Malaysia but it got cancelled last minute when Disney bought over 21st Century Fox.
Big Buck's to but there’s a potential for Fox World Dubai to proceed because Dubai Parks & Resorts is looking for a brand/studio to open the 5th theme park. The park in Malaysia totally got scraped last minute after Disney found out the new upcoming Fox World theme park is located next to a casino. A little bit disappointed bcs the park is already half way completed and was on scheduled to open in 2019 🤧
Good News.... sorta...! The Malaysian theme park is *not* completely cancelled. When Disney and FOX lost the lawsuit against the property owner. FOX has started another approved lawsuit the the same company due to the theme park being at too much for a finish state to demolish. So for now, it is unknown if the theme park will close or open. I hope FOX wins the lawsuit.
Amir Afiq Very interested to see what becomes of this almost-completed Malaysian park... Sounds like either Disney / Fox will work out a deal with Genting, or an actual theme park company will swoop in and remove all IP references and it will become some sort of "generic Hollywood" park.
For sure, I waited years for the promised theme park to open, lived 20kms away and have never heard of the Titanic experience. I do remember going there and seeing a prop display thing with no cool stuff and thinking it was a pretty dud theme park. I would have been right onto the Titanic ride, I really like that style ride and used to travel to Gold Coast to go on the Batman ride. Did they ever actually advertise in Sydney, it doesn't sound like it. In fact I think I am still annoyed they moved the Easter Show, it had so much more character there.
Great video. It covered this really well and your analysis was spot on what was said when it was opened then closed. Never went to the theme park as it was too expensive. I do have fond memories though of my early 20s with my friends at the Entertainment Quarter.
Nice short doco... Exactly how I remember. Never thought much of most of the backlot. However, the Titanic experience was awesome.... It was the most interactive experience ever... It is a shame that that no longer exists.
I visited this park a couple of times. Once about 6 months after it opened, and again just before it closed. The writing was already on the wall the first time I visited. So I documented it extensively on video. The most interesting thing there was probably the history of Australian television with many re-created sets from a variety of old/contemporary shows. You could also watch them shooting Farscape too, back when that was in production there. Might have to dig out the camera tapes. Edit: There was also a James Bond ride that is not mentioned in this video
It's such a shame that this park didn't even open with a chance at success. I only saw one mention of the James Bond ride in all my research and interviews about the park and apparently it was owned by a separate private company who leased a spot of land for it right outside the gates to the backlot. If you ever get the chance to digitise that footage we would love to see it! - Luke
I was in the show and worked in the backlot doing street theatre as well. If anyone has any footage of the lights camera chaos shows you should def upload that
the James Bond ride was a film, and not part of the theme park. You had to pay an extra ticket to get in. I didn't do it because I thought it was a massive rip off, after the $40 ticket.
So did I! It was incredibly expensive to go and my family were not well off, we got gifted some money from my auntie to go, so it makes it a very special memory!
Great video! I live in New Zealand and was lucky enough to visit the studio park in the short time that it was open. Being a huge Titanic fan I just had to go to visit the Titanic Experience. It was absolutely stunning. It would be great if it could be rebuilt in one of the Titanic museums around the world (eg Orlando.) I visited the park on a week day and I was struck by the lack of visitors (There seemed to be more staff than guests.) and I was surprised by the high cost of entry considering the lack of attractions on the site. As you say in the video, it was no surprise that it closed. Sadly, I visited the week after they started painting the Star Wars Phantom Menace sets so the studios public viewing walkway was curtained off. Doh!
It's such a shame the park made so many mistakes that lead to its ultimate downfall and the loss of the amazing Titanic Attraction. With some more foresight and attractions, I could honestly see the park still being opened today. - Luke
I have so many photos of me as a kid at fox studios. It was wonderful. I had been back there recently for a filming of the voice. And its devastating to see just how corporate it has become. I just watched a video on universal studios, they now have the same simpsons lot with the characters. So many memories
I went there . Living in Brisbane I had Dream/Movie/Sea world just down the road. They had nothing like that like that Titanic attraction . I was about 30 years old and could not believe the design and engineering that thing. Cool AF.
I was so excited when it first opened and was one of the first to visit. It was a huge disappointment and I expected them to add more rides/expand, but they never did. I ended up back there as an extra when they made Shang-Chi. Brought back a lot of memories.
Apart from the Titanic attraction the place had nothing to offer. It was a folly by 20th CF & done on the cheap compared to Disney. You could go in at 9am & be done by 10:30am & be poorer for the privilege. It took me 3 days to go around Disneyland properly, admittedly the crowds had a part in that. But it was mega, not just part of a clause in a contract.
wonderland was down the road, was it? must be a fake aussie accent because wonderland was literally the opposite side of sydney and over an hr drive on a good day or half a days travel away on public transport. also unless ur a kenyan power walker the location was unreachable on foot and a $20 taxi ride from sydney cbd
opposite side of sydney? well considering most people live in western sydney it was actually in the exact right place. it was just opposite to you. if you put it anywhere in sydney it will still be far away for a lot of people. stupidist comment ive ever read
I visited Fox Studios in Sydney way back 2001. Never thought that it would be my first and last visit. I tried the Titanic experience ride and chose the third class passenger which was really fun and exciting. I still have my Fox Studios cap good thing I kept it for souvenir.
I experienced the “Titanic experience” at a young age, around 10 or 11 years old. Only a few years later, myself and my mother revisited the “park” a number of times to be apart of the audience for Channel V, which at the time was hosted by Osher Günsberg (previously known as Andrew G). Interesting times…
I was 13 when I went to Fox Studios. I went once when it was just opened and again when it became almost a ghost town. I still have the tag from a Fox Studios hip bag and my original entry ticket (also two 2000 Sydney Olympic Games tickets) in a photo book but it's currently sealed in a box in a locked up storage box in a warehouse :( I also had a sneaky picture of the shirts from Romeo + Juliet in the museum part. My Dad may have more pictures though. He took pics of days out with me a lot as a kid, I'm a child of divorce and Dad had visitation weekends :(
@@TheRealFry2024 Yeah I saw an article pop up on my phone on that only a few months ago when the announcement for the filming of the new Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes movie was happening at the Sydney studio. It was only a matter of time that another name change was imminent once Disney bought out Fox! They also changed the company name from 20th Century Fox Television to just '20th Television'.
@@lmaree200886 Lazy Disney rebranding. Disney stole 20th Television from the original 20th Television which did syndication after they shutdown that division. same with ABC Signature. They also made 20th Century Fox World into Genting Skyworlds and Fox Star Studios into Star Studios. I could go on but there is like a lot of rebranding. Disney did it to avoid confusion with FOX Corporation.
I went on the Titanic ride and it was absolutely excellent, but the rest of the park was indeed underwhelming. It’s a bit of a shame that all of those beautiful old Easter show buildings are now inaccessible to the public.
I walk through the EQ regularly as an AFTRS radio student, wish I had the chance to visit the theme park when I was a kid... although I would have been 6 when it closed down...
Thanks Ruben, it's an exciting milestone to hit for sure. Thanks for being here with us for ages and for all your viewership and support! We both appreciate it greatly! - Luke
I lived in Sydney at the time, and had no idea this was here. I thought it was just the professional studios, and had didn't know there was a theme park there at all. I certainly don't recall any advertising for the theme park.
The high cost of a ticket probably was a good indicator that they never intended it to draw big crowds. They just wanted the land. If you look at the size of movie studios in Hollywood that area is about right for a studio.
OMG, i used to live close by, so it's like a regular hang out spot for me and my mum on the weekends.........Channel V used to have a live studio there to film their live request show too...........so sad.....
Went on a family holiday in 2000, I had no idea it closed so soon after. The Titanic Experience is naturally what I remember best, it was very well done. Other than that I vaguely remember the Babe 2 set, the Alien vs Predator props, maybe the Simpsons and maybe some Star Wars stuff but not much else. I can see why it closed so soon, so small and not even any rides. I feel almost like one of the special few knowing it was only opened for 2 years haha.
I was a performer in “Lights Camera Chaos” playing Leonardo Di Kangaroo.... surely people have video of this somewhere but it’s impossible to find any footage.
In all of my research for the video I could find almost nothing about that show, no footage, no pictures nothing. You might be able to finally answer this question for me Brett, what was the show? Were you guys in full fur costumes, face characters, what did you do? - Luke
ReviewTyme the stage show was called “Lights Camera Chaos” produced by Bazmark Productions.. Baz Lurhman.. the show is based on a director creating a musical called “Space - The Musical”... a kangaroo going into space. The director is called “Eric Von Roo”.. Lead role is “Leonardo Di Kangaroo”.. I played Leonardo.. other cast members were “Carmen Cockatoo”, a Koloa named “Baby Jane”, 3 Emu Showgirls “Joyce... I cant remember the other 2 showgirl names right at this point, I’d have to listen to the soundtrack again. Then there were also the film crew, Camera Man, Clapper, Boom as well as the host and the surprise guest audience member who was actually a cast member “Kylie Biggins”. I also played the role of Clapper (the clapper board). The Emu Showgirls were cast members on Stilts. Eric, Leonardo, Carmen and Baby Jane were all suit characters.. the film crew and host were human characters as well as Kylie Biggins. The show was approx. 25 mins long. The Emu Showgirls were played by male cast members as well as female. Towards the end of the Backlot when profit was down and the company was looking to cut costs, 3 Showgirls became 2 Showgirls only, so we lost one character there, as well as Baby Jane being scrapped, so they had to make adjustments to the script and soundtrack... only minor thou. The show was performed 3 times a day during peak times (school holidays), and off peak was twice a day. I know one of my fellow cast members secretly filmed one of the shows... the producers were strict on “no filming policy” by audiences, as all shows are. So I know one of the cast members have the show but I don’t know who and where they are. Also back in those days we didn’t have access to the technology we have today, with all mobile phones having cameras to film nowadays. I still remember most of the choreography of the show... I still listen to it from time to time and get up and do the choreography. I absolutely loved the show and they were the best days of my life. I scratched up 293 shows, would’ve made it to over 300 had I not been hit by a car and ended up in hospital with a head injury 2 weeks before we closed down. That was the hardest part, not getting to do a final show and being told of the closure on the news whilst resting at home. Then after that, being notified by my stage manager on the phone that the park would be closing and we were all to loose our favourite job. The last known whereabouts of the Leonardo Di Kangaroo suit character costume was when I was at Luna Park one day and I was shocked to see someone wearing MY costume.. Leonardo was walking around Luna Park. I’m assuming the person inside that Suit character had no idea where the suit come from and the history of that costume.
When Disney Brought Fox, What If Disney Makes A Theme Park For 20th Century Fox At Orlando And California? *Fox Theme Park At Orlando And California:* 1. Disney announces a theme park for 20th Century Fox at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Disneyland in California. 2. Disney makes a theme park for 20th Century Fox at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Disneyland in California. 3. Disney makes hotel resorts for the theme parks of 20th Century Fox. 4. Disney makes a parade for the 20th Century Fox theme parks. 5. Disney makes attractions for the 20th Century Fox theme park like a Ice Age 4-D ride called "No Time For Nuts", and attractions based on other Fox movies, and Aslo, some attractions based on movies and TV shows made by other movie studios. 6. Disney makes a Fox Kidzone world (Ice Age, Rio, Ferdinand, and more), and Fox's Century History world at two theme parks of 20th Century Fox. 7. Disney makes two names for two 20th Century Fox theme parks: Fox Studios Orlando Resort and Fox Studios California Resort. 8. Disney makes a studio store like Fox's original studio store and Fox's animation studio store. 9. Disney makes a CityWalk place for the 20th Century Fox theme park at Orlando, featuring places like Regal Cinemas, Target, Dollar Tree, and Disney Store. And restaurants like Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonald's, and Chick Fil A. 10. Disney makes 4-D attractions for two 20th Century Fox theme parks, like a Ice Age 4-D ride "No Time For Nuts", and more. 11. Disney makes commercials for two 20th Century Fox theme parks. 12. Disney makes Gift cards and free trips on cereal boxes for two 20th Century Fox theme parks. And 13. Disney makes a opening day on two 20th Century Fox theme parks. That's All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing you didn't mention is that the Bent Street public area had a number of billboards commemorating key Australian films (The Story of the Kelly Gang, The Sentimental Bloke, For the Term of his Natural Life, Dad and Dave, Jedda, Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee). I remember one placed above Channel V headquarters, and a couple at the car park. These were in place until at least 2010, but they are gone now.
Incredible how a park make a ride based on a tragedy, you know, one that kill 1500. The line between representing a how a movie was made and a real terrible event is almost invisible.
I remember seeing the opening show on tv. R2D2 and C3P0 were on it. It would certainly seem like a calculated write-off, to have a studio in a prime location to shoot stuff at a fraction of the cost than in the states.
The day I went to this as a school excursion I was terrified due to the high number of actors looking for audience members to accost. I spent it hiding behind friend's and generally trying to duck out of sight. Unfortunately some actors took that as a challenge instead of a clear signal to leave well enough alone...
To clarify, The Simpsons was not a ride. It was a motion capture showcase; they chose a member of the public (I was lucky enough to do it when I visited) and they'd give you a type of harness to wear. The 'Australian kid' character on the screen behind you, would move based on your own movement. Homer would then walk in and challenge you to a dance-off. I have the video on NTSC Video8, but I've been unable to digitise it. The other interesting part was that they showed an alternative 'Bart vs Australia' episode, in which Homer blows Australia up.
it was only there as long it was there. The only thing I remember was the Titanic ride, and only came back to me watching this video. I remember being in the first class part of the ride. Oh I didn't realised Wonderland was down the road, like 1 hour down the road at the other side of the town.
Fox Studios was technically in Redfern in the CBD, Wonderland was in Eastern Creek in Western Sydney. Not really the other side of town! The land Wonderland was on is now a massive industrial park.
Doomed from the beginning. I worked on this project, rebuilding the "Babe Backlot" that it featured back then (since I wired the original). Still stands in history as the biggest and most complex outdoor film set ever built in Australia, a record unlikely ever to be broken in today's computer animated reality. Actually, "Hollywood came to Sydney" (and in fact the Showgrounds site) long before Fox put their finger in the pie, with big budget features like "The Power Rangers Movie" in 1994, "Dark city" and the aforementioned "Babe, Pig in the City" being shot there in the following years, plus many other features and commercials. Your video is a good homage to a forgotten era.
Oh wow that must have been a pretty cool experience helping with the construction of a Theme Park, especially as a movie guy! It must have been weird though working on something knowing that it likely had no chance of suceeding. Thanks for sharing your story of the project with us! - Luke
Used now as a VFX studio, same with the old Photon studio on the gold coast, they all use the ex sets of theme parks and movies, I think the one on the gold coast was the used for the last live action movie Gregory Peck ever starred in, if I'm not mistaken.
Great video, I had no idea this was ever even a thing. It's sad how many parks we've had close or never built here. It makes me wonder if that's why Disney keeps holding off on committing to Australia because they see a chain of failures.
@@phurphy Basically if you've noticed its called 'Entertainment quarter', so the part opened to the public is separate from the fox lot itself,. The part with all the studios and sound stages are owned by fox (or Disney now ) so their not connected. recently the public part was bought by some guy for $70 million, i think he might put apartments or something. i know all this cause i actually work at the cinema there... hope this helped
![Destroyed - The rise and fall of Australia's Wonderland theme park [AH015]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FDzLPXGqq7g/mqdefault.jpg)
I worked there. Bit of info, the Simpson's attraction was closed down the day Matt Groening came to Sydney to see it. He hated it and said that's not how Simpson's was made.
Haha as if that is true.
Matt Gaying was always a dkhead to Australia that Australia Shitsons episode as an example to that.
ba sillah Bit upset are we?
@@basillah7650 i guess you're not a big fan of knifey/spooney?
That's so funny. I remember seeing it as a kid and thinking, this looks sketchy and weird. Not surprised he wasn't happy with the quality.
I was the longest standing employee of this extraordinary experience. Makes me so sad to see what transpired. Got my 3 yr pin, from build to bye bye. Had the privilege of working with an amazing array of characters that I'm proud to say because my friends and family to this day. Thankyou fox, as hard as it was to say goodbye, many happy days were spent there.xx
I did twelve months from beginning. Great memories of the whole experience. Feel very blessed being a part of Australia moving forward in a big way. Awesome move Rupert
I remember going to Fox Studios when I was a kid. We did the Titanic experience. I must say that it is something I will never forget. It was awesome. They deserved the awards for it.
I’m jealous. Titanic Experience looked amazing
I did it as well and I agree it was amazing!
Were you 1st or 3rd class.....seems a weird ride of 2 different experiences, I would want to do both for the money!
Garry COX I think I was lower class. We had to run through the bowels of the ship. Water EVERYWHERE
same here!
I’m Australian and I didn’t even know that this existed...
Same...
Same as me
Yep same. News to me too.
The first power rangers film was filmed there along with a good chunk of mmpr s2 the titanic experience building showed up in return of the green ranger.
Jeffrey Piatt even though the power rangers film was filmed in 1995?
Man sydney was such a wonderous place for a kid back then. Fox backlot, Imax, Segaworld, the aquarium, Techno City, Luna Park, Wonderland. Channel V had jabba doing live shows out of the sanity at moore park. Social Media was a mistake.
And a monorail!
Remember the Zerts restaurant? We had so many cool things to do in Sydney when we were kids.
well said
Segaworld! I'd love to see a video on that.
So true!...
I got out of Sydney 10 years ago and thank god I did!
Every time I return on a business trip or to visit friends, I can’t believe just how it has changed for the worse!
I can’t wait to get back home, virtually within minutes of arriving lol
Going on that Titanic ride as a 10 year old, was the scariest thing I had ever done!! I still wont go on a curse. Thanx Fox Studios!!!
My bitch ass lil cuz cried on that shit and we're still gammin on him for that to this day.
bet you shit your pants eh. dont worry, your heart will go on :P
This may sound really weird but I swear I died on the actual titanic in a past life
@@emoechelon19xx LMAOOOO
Cruises are overrated anyways :)
I’ve worked at Fox Studios since 1999 on the movies that are made there. I can confirm it was always set up to fail after 2 years so that Fox could repurpose the sound stages for movies. The Matrix Reloaded-Revolutions was being shot as the backload started closing to the public, and that production immediately took over the space. No coincidence it was totally planned.
Exactly right, it was always meant to fail , I ran my business at fox from 98 to 2020 and when i went on the soft launch I knew it would flop .
@@brettjones4733 And if it flopped, Fox gets all of the sound stages without having to share them with the public, that’s roughly a 30% increase in lot size without having to pay anything extra. What gets me is that it’s supposed to be Commonwealth public land & now federation buildings on the lot are totally inaccessible to the general public for many generations to come.
@@sunsetgarage755
Exactly , and they got a 99 year lease on it 😡
The fact that I’m an Aussie and didn’t know this existed is sad. I wish it had of been successful and was open today..
Really? I went there several times when it was open.
Do you live in Sydney?
And now there's a new theme park. It's called 21 century fox world in Malaysia but DISNEY BLOCK IT AND THEY WANT TO SUE MALAYSIA CAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO BUILD RIGHT NEXT TO CASINO???
Em Radford I know this makes me so upset titanic, babe and the simpsons were like my favourite things to watch as a 6 year old I’m like sitting here crying because the only way I can remember it is through photo albums, if I had a time machine I’d go back to fox studios theme park for the day and get a photo kissing Edward scissor hands
I saw it. But unfortunately I did not get in as it was closed.
I'm a Sydneysider and didn't know it existed!
My dad worked here as a stage mechanic when I was a kid and it was the best place, used to go all the time!
There’s lots of documentary channels centered on theme parks on UA-cam but this one is criminally underrated. Such great content! Looking forward to more!
I have nothing but great memories of visiting this park! The titanic “ride” was epic!
Wow, thanks for the flashback. My first job out of school while a studing at Uni was at Sega World. When that closed down I got a job at Fox Studios before it even opened. I hated it so much that a week after getting the job and about a week before it opened I just stopped turning up to work. Aside from the Titanic experience it was a pretty terrible excuse for a theme park.
Incredible here in Mexico with the props Fox sent, they first opened a theme park too, in Rosarito (the actual Titanic film Location) but also for lack of visitors they closed it and now is also a filming studios just like there in Australia
I lived in Sydney when the theme park still existed. The Titanic Experience was extremely well done. Channel V was broadcast from there. Saw a free show by The Dandy Warhols one freezing Friday night. The movie theatre was awesome and the place was always busy. I moved from Sydney in 2005. I had some great experiences at Fox Studios.
It's called Disney Studios Australia now.
Wow The Titanic Experience looked awesome, those are the types of attractions that Universal studio's Florida used to have but are now closing down in favour of either VR experiences or Roller Coasters, personally I would like to see a return to the good old family attractions like Jaws, Kongfrontation and the Titanic one in your video.
I've shot a bunch of TV shows and movies in this studio, I remember accidentally walking onto the set of Alien Covenant one day and thinking to myself "strewth, we're shooting some weird shit today" and then a very mean looking fella asked me what I was doing there and escorted me out, it's still a pretty magical place in those studios!
I remember going there when it was the Easter Show ground. Homebush just doesn’t have the same sense of nostalgia. At least for me.
I went there for the Titanic experience and wasn’t disappointed. It was pretty awesome. The rest of the exhibits there were good too. Glad I got to experience it.
It's interesting how popular the whole "movie studio backlot" theme was for a while there. It didn't seem to matter whether there was an actual working backlot there or not. These days even the surviving parks with that theme seem to be moving away from it: there are certainly still movie-themed attractions but less of the "behind the scenes" conceit, which only ever really worked in a couple of places.
It was an interesting era for Theme Parks for sure, and probably a cheap one too where highly themed lands could be replaced by big tan "soundstages". Most of the interest in these parks seem to fall when things like DVD Extras started showing us "behind the scenes" on films, and the allure and mystery of movie making was wiped away. - Luke
So glad I got to experience this. My uncle took me and my brothers and it was an unforgettable experience. Still have photos of this day and the titanic experience.
I went to it in 2000 for my birthday. It was awesome.
Wow that was extremely well done! I’ve heard of The titanic attraction but I had never seen the associated park.
Thanks for the kind words! It's a shame that the park was so short-lived, the Titanic attraction deserved so many more guests than it ended up receiving! - Luke
I remember going there as a kid and watched them filming Channel V, just near the entrance. "Jabba" was filming and would smoke darts between songs and ad breaks, and would keep the lit cigarette on the concrete floor while filming
I loved the Titanci experience. I was so exciting as a kid.
FOX tried again to open another park under the name 20th Century Fox World Malaysia in Genting, Malaysia but it got cancelled last minute when Disney bought over 21st Century Fox.
Amir Afiq Including Dubai
Big Buck's to but there’s a potential for Fox World Dubai to proceed because Dubai Parks & Resorts is looking for a brand/studio to open the 5th theme park.
The park in Malaysia totally got scraped last minute after Disney found out the new upcoming Fox World theme park is located next to a casino.
A little bit disappointed bcs the park is already half way completed and was on scheduled to open in 2019 🤧
Good News.... sorta...! The Malaysian theme park is *not* completely cancelled. When Disney and FOX lost the lawsuit against the property owner. FOX has started another approved lawsuit the the same company due to the theme park being at too much for a finish state to demolish.
So for now, it is unknown if the theme park will close or open. I hope FOX wins the lawsuit.
Amir Afiq
Very interested to see what becomes of this almost-completed Malaysian park...
Sounds like either Disney / Fox will work out a deal with Genting, or an actual theme park company will swoop in and remove all IP references and it will become some sort of "generic Hollywood" park.
They now call it Genting Skyworlds. But it could have been "20th Century Studios World" Instead.
LOL Yeah Moore Park and Eastern Creek are "just down the road from each other"
Please
Yeah, the M4... sort of
@@mryan89 gee your clutching at straws on that one
@@MrThedwp haha yeah. Well once they finish Westconnex they will be connected... by a fairly long road.
MrThedwp on the scale of Australia, they sure are.
@@JasperJanssen yet in the scale of Sydney they're really not
So Fox acquired public land in the centre of the city by creating a theme park predestined to fail. Well played, Murdoch.
For sure, I waited years for the promised theme park to open, lived 20kms away and have never heard of the Titanic experience. I do remember going there and seeing a prop display thing with no cool stuff and thinking it was a pretty dud theme park. I would have been right onto the Titanic ride, I really like that style ride and used to travel to Gold Coast to go on the Batman ride. Did they ever actually advertise in Sydney, it doesn't sound like it. In fact I think I am still annoyed they moved the Easter Show, it had so much more character there.
Great video. It covered this really well and your analysis was spot on what was said when it was opened then closed. Never went to the theme park as it was too expensive.
I do have fond memories though of my early 20s with my friends at the Entertainment Quarter.
I enjoy your content. You deserve at least ten times... and much more... subs. I learn so much every time I click on one of your movies.
Nice short doco... Exactly how I remember. Never thought much of most of the backlot. However, the Titanic experience was awesome.... It was the most interactive experience ever... It is a shame that that no longer exists.
Thanks for this video. Im a sydneysider and have been at those gates before and had no idea about this part of Australian history.
Really? How old are you? If you were born after 1999 you didn't exist when this was opened!
@@lmaree200886 1992... Calm down lol
The Titanic thing looks awesome.
I visited this park a couple of times. Once about 6 months after it opened, and again just before it closed. The writing was already on the wall the first time I visited. So I documented it extensively on video. The most interesting thing there was probably the history of Australian television with many re-created sets from a variety of old/contemporary shows. You could also watch them shooting Farscape too, back when that was in production there. Might have to dig out the camera tapes. Edit: There was also a James Bond ride that is not mentioned in this video
It's such a shame that this park didn't even open with a chance at success. I only saw one mention of the James Bond ride in all my research and interviews about the park and apparently it was owned by a separate private company who leased a spot of land for it right outside the gates to the backlot. If you ever get the chance to digitise that footage we would love to see it! - Luke
@@ReviewTyme Yes, actually I think you're right about that James Bond ride! I will chase you up when I get to review the camera tapes
I was in the show and worked in the backlot doing street theatre as well. If anyone has any footage of the lights camera chaos shows you should def upload that
the James Bond ride was a film, and not part of the theme park. You had to pay an extra ticket to get in. I didn't do it because I thought it was a massive rip off, after the $40 ticket.
I actually went to this theme park as a kid, didnt realise it was so rare!
So did I! It was incredibly expensive to go and my family were not well off, we got gifted some money from my auntie to go, so it makes it a very special memory!
Great video! Thanks for creating and sharing!
This park has always intrigued me, awesome watch!
Damn that titanic thing seemed pretty fun though
Wonder if in a 100 years there’ll be 9/11 the experience...
I don't think it'll take that long.
There is. It's Called MH370 down under.
In hundred yes theyll be a human experience lol
We've been making video games about WWII for decades now so probably won't even take that long.
This exists ^ there are a few games in fact @@klikitzsmith8416
This channel deserves more subs
Loving the channel boys. The content is so good!
We love that you love it! Thanks for the support! - Luke
Great video! I live in New Zealand and was lucky enough to visit the studio park in the short time that it was open. Being a huge Titanic fan I just had to go to visit the Titanic Experience. It was absolutely stunning. It would be great if it could be rebuilt in one of the Titanic museums around the world (eg Orlando.)
I visited the park on a week day and I was struck by the lack of visitors (There seemed to be more staff than guests.) and I was surprised by the high cost of entry considering the lack of attractions on the site. As you say in the video, it was no surprise that it closed.
Sadly, I visited the week after they started painting the Star Wars Phantom Menace sets so the studios public viewing walkway was curtained off. Doh!
It's such a shame the park made so many mistakes that lead to its ultimate downfall and the loss of the amazing Titanic Attraction. With some more foresight and attractions, I could honestly see the park still being opened today. - Luke
I love the entertainment quarter in Sydney. Really good cinema in that area, and some nice restaurants.
I did the Titanic Experience as a child! We were in steerage - I remember all of the shaking and gushing water and the piano!
I once went there when I was a teen but it was only to the studio space - I never realised it was a theme park. How fascinating!
Wish this stayed around! Some of these attractions sound really fun!
I use to like going down there in the early 2000's to see Channel V do their live shows
I have so many photos of me as a kid at fox studios. It was wonderful. I had been back there recently for a filming of the voice. And its devastating to see just how corporate it has become. I just watched a video on universal studios, they now have the same simpsons lot with the characters. So many memories
It's Disney Studios now.
If this was still open today, it would be easily the best theme park in Australia. Maybe even one of the best in the world.
I have been visiting this place for like 14 years for work and never knew it was at some point a theme park. Explains the showy structures now.
Thank you Luke for such a well made video.
I went there . Living in Brisbane I had Dream/Movie/Sea world just down the road. They had nothing like that like that Titanic attraction . I was about 30 years old and could not believe the design and engineering that thing. Cool AF.
I was so excited when it first opened and was one of the first to visit. It was a huge disappointment and I expected them to add more rides/expand, but they never did. I ended up back there as an extra when they made Shang-Chi. Brought back a lot of memories.
Quite amusing the opening of the park was televised. A simpler time!
Now I know where the RSPCA insurance and Audible (with Rebel Wilson) is filmed. Awesome.
Apart from the Titanic attraction the place had nothing to offer.
It was a folly by 20th CF & done on the cheap compared to Disney.
You could go in at 9am & be done by 10:30am & be poorer for the privilege.
It took me 3 days to go around Disneyland properly, admittedly the crowds had a part in that.
But it was mega, not just part of a clause in a contract.
If it was still open, technically it would've been Disneyland but in Australia and it's just stuff from 20th Century Studios.
wonderland was down the road, was it? must be a fake aussie accent because wonderland was literally the opposite side of sydney and over an hr drive on a good day or half a days travel away on public transport. also unless ur a kenyan power walker the location was unreachable on foot and a $20 taxi ride from sydney cbd
And upwards of $100 taxi/uber fare.
opposite side of sydney? well considering most people live in western sydney it was actually in the exact right place. it was just opposite to you. if you put it anywhere in sydney it will still be far away for a lot of people. stupidist comment ive ever read
olkasbrix The dude’s from Australia genius
The point was you could go to either for the day, and we’re more likely to go to Wonderland
I visited Fox Studios in Sydney way back 2001. Never thought that it would be my first and last visit. I tried the Titanic experience ride and chose the third class passenger which was really fun and exciting. I still have my Fox Studios cap good thing I kept it for souvenir.
*Disney Studios Australia
Super interesting video! Thank you for this.
I experienced the “Titanic experience” at a young age, around 10 or 11 years old. Only a few years later, myself and my mother revisited the “park” a number of times to be apart of the audience for Channel V, which at the time was hosted by Osher Günsberg (previously known as Andrew G). Interesting times…
You guys deserve to have a million subs. Keep up the quality content!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words! - Luke
I remember going there as a kid. Its a shame it didn't get a chance to flourish because I did really enjoy it.
I live just around the corner, great video!
ok you live at kensington good for you, no one likes a bragger :P
I remember going on that titanic ride as a school kid... and seeing the prop guns from Baz Luhrman's 'Romeo + Juliet'. They were pretty slick.
I was 13 when I went to Fox Studios. I went once when it was just opened and again when it became almost a ghost town. I still have the tag from a Fox Studios hip bag and my original entry ticket (also two 2000 Sydney Olympic Games tickets) in a photo book but it's currently sealed in a box in a locked up storage box in a warehouse :( I also had a sneaky picture of the shirts from Romeo + Juliet in the museum part. My Dad may have more pictures though. He took pics of days out with me a lot as a kid, I'm a child of divorce and Dad had visitation weekends :(
Disney changed it to Disney Studios Australia.
@@TheRealFry2024 Yeah I saw an article pop up on my phone on that only a few months ago when the announcement for the filming of the new Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes movie was happening at the Sydney studio. It was only a matter of time that another name change was imminent once Disney bought out Fox! They also changed the company name from 20th Century Fox Television to just '20th Television'.
@@lmaree200886 Lazy Disney rebranding. Disney stole 20th Television from the original 20th Television which did syndication after they shutdown that division. same with ABC Signature. They also made 20th Century Fox World into Genting Skyworlds and Fox Star Studios into Star Studios. I could go on but there is like a lot of rebranding. Disney did it to avoid confusion with FOX Corporation.
Very nicely done video on a park I knew nothing about! Very interesting!
I have lived in Sydney since 1988 and I never heard of the Fox Studios Theme Park.....and when I was young I frequently went to Wonderland
My parents took there in 2000, there was not much to see. Glad I went before it vanished.
I went on the Titanic ride and it was absolutely excellent, but the rest of the park was indeed underwhelming. It’s a bit of a shame that all of those beautiful old Easter show buildings are now inaccessible to the public.
This was great. Really well done.
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it! - Luke
Wonderland was at Eastern creek no just down the road from Moore Park
Great video, mate!
I walk through the EQ regularly as an AFTRS radio student, wish I had the chance to visit the theme park when I was a kid... although I would have been 6 when it closed down...
Yep I went there, was really good
Oh man, that Titanic ride looked bonkers!
1.1K subscribers already! and you guys deserve many more :)
Love to watch this content! also great video once again :D
Thanks Ruben, it's an exciting milestone to hit for sure. Thanks for being here with us for ages and for all your viewership and support! We both appreciate it greatly! - Luke
Ya deserve way more subs!! Your videos are awesome! Keep up the great work
I lived in Sydney at the time, and had no idea this was here. I thought it was just the professional studios, and had didn't know there was a theme park there at all. I certainly don't recall any advertising for the theme park.
Also in Baja Mexico, where Titanic was filmed, they did a small park. Foxploration
The high cost of a ticket probably was a good indicator that they never intended it to draw big crowds. They just wanted the land. If you look at the size of movie studios in Hollywood that area is about right for a studio.
I remember going there in 2002. I purchased my first Marvel graphic novel 'The Punisher: Welcome Back Frank" from it's souvenir shop.
nice piece - we shot 2 hour long broadcast specials on the opening
OMG, i used to live close by, so it's like a regular hang out spot for me and my mum on the weekends.........Channel V used to have a live studio there to film their live request show too...........so sad.....
Yes I remember there was live studio there. I am not from there and I wondering what was going on.
Went on a family holiday in 2000, I had no idea it closed so soon after. The Titanic Experience is naturally what I remember best, it was very well done. Other than that I vaguely remember the Babe 2 set, the Alien vs Predator props, maybe the Simpsons and maybe some Star Wars stuff but not much else. I can see why it closed so soon, so small and not even any rides. I feel almost like one of the special few knowing it was only opened for 2 years haha.
I was a performer in “Lights Camera Chaos” playing Leonardo Di Kangaroo.... surely people have video of this somewhere but it’s impossible to find any footage.
Hopefully somebody watching this video can help! - Dom
In all of my research for the video I could find almost nothing about that show, no footage, no pictures nothing. You might be able to finally answer this question for me Brett, what was the show? Were you guys in full fur costumes, face characters, what did you do? - Luke
ReviewTyme the stage show was called “Lights Camera Chaos” produced by Bazmark Productions.. Baz Lurhman.. the show is based on a director creating a musical called “Space - The Musical”... a kangaroo going into space. The director is called “Eric Von Roo”.. Lead role is “Leonardo Di Kangaroo”.. I played Leonardo.. other cast members were “Carmen Cockatoo”, a Koloa named “Baby Jane”, 3 Emu Showgirls “Joyce... I cant remember the other 2 showgirl names right at this point, I’d have to listen to the soundtrack again. Then there were also the film crew, Camera Man, Clapper, Boom as well as the host and the surprise guest audience member who was actually a cast member “Kylie Biggins”.
I also played the role of Clapper (the clapper board). The Emu Showgirls were cast members on Stilts. Eric, Leonardo, Carmen and Baby Jane were all suit characters.. the film crew and host were human characters as well as Kylie Biggins. The show was approx. 25 mins long. The Emu Showgirls were played by male cast members as well as female. Towards the end of the Backlot when profit was down and the company was looking to cut costs, 3 Showgirls became 2 Showgirls only, so we lost one character there, as well as Baby Jane being scrapped, so they had to make adjustments to the script and soundtrack... only minor thou.
The show was performed 3 times a day during peak times (school holidays), and off peak was twice a day.
I know one of my fellow cast members secretly filmed one of the shows... the producers were strict on “no filming policy” by audiences, as all shows are. So I know one of the cast members have the show but I don’t know who and where they are. Also back in those days we didn’t have access to the technology we have today, with all mobile phones having cameras to film nowadays. I still remember most of the choreography of the show... I still listen to it from time to time and get up and do the choreography. I absolutely loved the show and they were the best days of my life. I scratched up 293 shows, would’ve made it to over 300 had I not been hit by a car and ended up in hospital with a head injury 2 weeks before we closed down. That was the hardest part, not getting to do a final show and being told of the closure on the news whilst resting at home. Then after that, being notified by my stage manager on the phone that the park would be closing and we were all to loose our favourite job.
The last known whereabouts of the Leonardo Di Kangaroo suit character costume was when I was at Luna Park one day and I was shocked to see someone wearing MY costume.. Leonardo was walking around Luna Park. I’m assuming the person inside that Suit character had no idea where the suit come from and the history of that costume.
I’ve got a lot of pictures, behind the scenes, the costumes, the stage (after the closure), the rehearsals... but sadly no video.
ReviewTyme oh, and I still have the script of the show.
Any chance on a video about Sega World which was in the Sydney CBD?
When Disney Brought Fox, What If Disney Makes A Theme Park For 20th Century Fox At Orlando And California?
*Fox Theme Park At Orlando And California:*
1. Disney announces a theme park for 20th Century Fox at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Disneyland in California.
2. Disney makes a theme park for 20th Century Fox at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Disneyland in California.
3. Disney makes hotel resorts for the theme parks of 20th Century Fox.
4. Disney makes a parade for the 20th Century Fox theme parks.
5. Disney makes attractions for the 20th Century Fox theme park like a Ice Age 4-D ride called "No Time For Nuts", and attractions based on other Fox movies, and Aslo, some attractions based on movies and TV shows made by other movie studios.
6. Disney makes a Fox Kidzone world (Ice Age, Rio, Ferdinand, and more), and Fox's Century History world at two theme parks of 20th Century Fox.
7. Disney makes two names for two 20th Century Fox theme parks: Fox Studios Orlando Resort and Fox Studios California Resort.
8. Disney makes a studio store like Fox's original studio store and Fox's animation studio store.
9. Disney makes a CityWalk place for the 20th Century Fox theme park at Orlando, featuring places like Regal Cinemas, Target, Dollar Tree, and Disney Store. And restaurants like Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonald's, and Chick Fil A.
10. Disney makes 4-D attractions for two 20th Century Fox theme parks, like a Ice Age 4-D ride "No Time For Nuts", and more.
11. Disney makes commercials for two 20th Century Fox theme parks.
12. Disney makes Gift cards and free trips on cereal boxes for two 20th Century Fox theme parks.
And 13. Disney makes a opening day on two 20th Century Fox theme parks.
That's All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So they actually had the Titanic Experience like in Rick and Morty??? LOL
TheBestUA-camChannelEverTimesInfinity exactly what I thought 😂😂
One thing you didn't mention is that the Bent Street public area had a number of billboards commemorating key Australian films (The Story of the Kelly Gang, The Sentimental Bloke, For the Term of his Natural Life, Dad and Dave, Jedda, Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee). I remember one placed above Channel V headquarters, and a couple at the car park.
These were in place until at least 2010, but they are gone now.
I just thought this was the Venue for Mardi Gras parties.
Incredible how a park make a ride based on a tragedy, you know, one that kill 1500. The line between representing a how a movie was made and a real terrible event is almost invisible.
Dude, chill out.
I remember going on the ride, with the collision scenario. Got super cold. Was too young to see the movie, but they let kids into the park ride.
I remember seeing the opening show on tv. R2D2 and C3P0 were on it.
It would certainly seem like a calculated write-off, to have a studio in a prime location to shoot stuff at a fraction of the cost than in the states.
The day I went to this as a school excursion I was terrified due to the high number of actors looking for audience members to accost.
I spent it hiding behind friend's and generally trying to duck out of sight.
Unfortunately some actors took that as a challenge instead of a clear signal to leave well enough alone...
Tracey Granter 😂😂😂
To clarify, The Simpsons was not a ride. It was a motion capture showcase; they chose a member of the public (I was lucky enough to do it when I visited) and they'd give you a type of harness to wear. The 'Australian kid' character on the screen behind you, would move based on your own movement. Homer would then walk in and challenge you to a dance-off. I have the video on NTSC Video8, but I've been unable to digitise it.
The other interesting part was that they showed an alternative 'Bart vs Australia' episode, in which Homer blows Australia up.
it was only there as long it was there. The only thing I remember was the Titanic ride, and only came back to me watching this video. I remember being in the first class part of the ride. Oh I didn't realised Wonderland was down the road, like 1 hour down the road at the other side of the town.
Fox Studios was technically in Redfern in the CBD, Wonderland was in Eastern Creek in Western Sydney. Not really the other side of town! The land Wonderland was on is now a massive industrial park.
Doomed from the beginning. I worked on this project, rebuilding the "Babe Backlot" that it featured back then (since I wired the original). Still stands in history as the biggest and most complex outdoor film set ever built in Australia, a record unlikely ever to be broken in today's computer animated reality. Actually, "Hollywood came to Sydney" (and in fact the Showgrounds site) long before Fox put their finger in the pie, with big budget features like "The Power Rangers Movie" in 1994, "Dark city" and the aforementioned "Babe, Pig in the City" being shot there in the following years, plus many other features and commercials. Your video is a good homage to a forgotten era.
Oh wow that must have been a pretty cool experience helping with the construction of a Theme Park, especially as a movie guy! It must have been weird though working on something knowing that it likely had no chance of suceeding. Thanks for sharing your story of the project with us! - Luke
schoolpa.com.au/~paul/ArtelexFilmCV/artelexmain.htm
You have worked on some amazing things over the years! You must have some great stories to tell. - Luke
Used now as a VFX studio, same with the old Photon studio on the gold coast, they all use the ex sets of theme parks and movies, I think the one on the gold coast was the used for the last live action movie Gregory Peck ever starred in, if I'm not mistaken.
Great video, I had no idea this was ever even a thing. It's sad how many parks we've had close or never built here. It makes me wonder if that's why Disney keeps holding off on committing to Australia because they see a chain of failures.
NotCroutons Disney I don’t understand though - that would be huge here!
Wow I didn’t even realise this was a thing. But Moore Park is a difficult place to get to by public transport and parking isn’t cheap.
I wonder now that Disney owns Fox will they do something with the property?
Hopefully develop it into a mini Disneyland, that would be sweet!
Is it still owned by Fox though?
@@phurphy Basically if you've noticed its called 'Entertainment quarter', so the part opened to the public is separate from the fox lot itself,. The part with all the studios and sound stages are owned by fox (or Disney now ) so their not connected. recently the public part was bought by some guy for $70 million, i think he might put apartments or something. i know all this cause i actually work at the cinema there... hope this helped
Lion Heart thanks!
Continue to reent the sound stages to American movies subsidised by Aust dollars I expect.