Hollywood special effects studio leases heritage space in Melbourne

Hollywood special effects studio Luma Pictures, which has worked on over 80 movies including films by the Coen Brothers (True Grit, No Country for Old Men), X-Men and Prometheus, has leased over 1,000 square metres of office space in South Melbourne on the edge of the Melbourne CBD.

Luma Pictures will pay net rent in the high $300s per square metre per annum in Heritage Victoria listed, warehouse-style space at 256 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne.

The five-year lease deal was brokered by Savills Australia’s Louise Nicoll.

Nicoll says the Santa Monica-based company sought a location in close proximity to restaurants, bars and tenant amenity.

"Luma also wanted a funky space which was conducive to a creative working environment, which the village like community of Clarendon Street was able to provide,’’ she says.

The Melbourne premises are Luma’s first office outside of the US and will focus on offering its special effects expertise to Australia’s film and television industry.

The lessor was a private Melbourne investor.