Filming

'Home and Away' filming 2003
'Home and Away' filming 2003

Maitland ~ built in an era of pride, prestige and prosperity ~ few places in Australia have so carefully and sensitively captured the essence of grace and style.

Yet Maitland is a fresh area, rich in character and provides a diversity of unique filming locations.

Maitland City Council not only recognises the advantage of the film industry to its citizens, it controls a number of prime locations which can be made available when looking for that place with a difference. Pride of place in those locations is Maitland Gaol, the only intact 19th and 20th century Correctional Institution available for location filming within New South Wales.

Originally opened in 1848, this classic sandstone walled maximum-security facility was constructed almost continuously during its 150 years as a Correctional Institution, the last building being completed in 1993. Built on almost 2 hectares of land on the hill overlooking the township of East Maitland, the variety of structures within the facility makes it a unique location.

'Suburban Mayhem' filming 2005
'Suburban Mayhem' filming 2005

Whether you need contemporary cells and yards with modern security and visiting facilities, or solid sandstone structures built with convict labour and presenting the austere and eerie feel of a bygone era, Maitland Gaol has it within its foreboding walls. Exercise yards, guard towers and catwalks, industrial workshops, shower room, kitchen, administration facilities, razor wire, even a dentistry. We have it all. Some even say we have ghosts! And there has been plenty of filming in Maitland Gaol with the paranormal as a theme.

Maitland City Council actively supports Screen Hunter Central Coast (SHCC) in its charter to attract the film industry to the Region. We have developed a protocol in conjunction with the Department of Local Government and the NSW Film and Television Office to facilitate film making in the Maitland area. This includes procedures for filmmaking, charges, consent for temporary structures and ease of access to site and facilities. SHCC represents Maitland Gaol and Maitland City Council to the film industry and all enquiries should be directed to the SHCC office who will then liaise with Maitland Gaol and/or Maitland City Council to facilitate the filming requirement. SHCC operates as a one-stop-shop for busy Location Managers and Producers. You can view the Hunter Regional Film Policy and complete an application form on-line at the SHCC website or contact them for more assistance.

Rachel Ward 'The Big House' filming 2000
Rachel Ward - 'The Big House' filming 2000

Rachel Ward found the experience of filming in Maitland and Maitland Gaol in particular very satisfying:

“Having recently filmed my short film "The Big House" in Maitland Gaol, I would like to offer my appreciation to the community of Maitland, Maitland City Council and the services provided to us by local business and local crew.
 What struck many of the Sydney based crew working on the film was how easy it was to get things done quickly, because, as we all know, "Time is Money", to use a cliché, it was an impressive effort from the community at large.
 On behalf of our cast and crew, I extend my sincere thanks to all who assisted in our production.”

Download a copy of our Filming Information Brochure or contact Screen Hunter Central Coast to discuss your filming requirements.

Recent Maitland Gaol Filming Activities

Feature and Short Films:

  • 'Ghozt Crew' 2010
  • 'The Justice Maze' 2009
  • 'Cedar Boys' 2008
  • 'Submerged' 2008
  • 'The Garden' 2007
  • 'Braille' 2006
  • 'Pussycat' (Script Development) 2006
  • 'Devils Gateway' 2006
  • 'Suburban Mayhem' 2005
  • 'The Big House' 2000

TV:

  • 'Deadly Women' (The Beyond Series) 2010
  • 'Review with Myles Barlow' 2010
  • 'Real Prison Breaks' 2008
  • 'Historic Gaol Stories' 2008
  • 'Ralph TV' 2007
  • 'Home and Away' 2006
  • 'True Stories' 2005
  • 'The Unbelievable' (Polish TV) 2005
  • 'Forensic Investigators' 2004
  • 'Home and Away' 2003
  • 'Scream Test' 2000

Advertisements and Videos:

  • Grayson Music Video 2010
  • Caravan and Motorhome Magazine DVD 2009
  • Dale Duncan Music Video 2006
  • 'A Town Called Lonely' Music Video 2005
  • 'In the Desert' 2004

Still Features:

  • Cosmopolitan 2008

Student Productions:

  • 'Infected' - Sydney International Film School 2010
  • Pure Editorial Photography Class - Paradox Management 2010
  • Photographing Spaces ~ Kylie Russell - Hunter Community College 2010
  • 'Blind Relations' - Newcastle University 2010
  • 'Joe Harper' - Sydney International Film School 2009
  • Heavy Metal Band - Music Video - Newcastle University 2009 
  • 'Bad Behaviour' - Hunter Institute of TAFE 2009
  • 'Lzivost' - Sydney International Film School 2009
  • 'Jail-Order Brides' - AFTRS 2009
  • 'Sweet Marshall' - Participate Film School 2008
  • 'Light Noise' - Newcastle University 2008
  • 'The History and Haunting of Maitland Gaol' - Newcastle University 2006
  • 'The Body' (for Tropfest) 2006
  • 'Closure' - APA International Film School 2005
  • 'Herbs Half Hour' - AFTRS 2005
  • Maitland Grossmann High School 2004
  • Mount View High School 2004