Australian production company Matchbox Pictures is closing its doors after nearly 20 years.
The studio was founded in 2008 by Tony Ayers, Penny Chapman, Helen Boden, Michael McMahon and Helen Pankhurst and is known for films such as House of Gods, Dog Park and Survivors, for which Kamel El Basha won Best Actor at the 2024 Seriesmania.
Universal International Studios (then known as NBCU) acquired a majority stake in Matchbox in 2011 before acquiring it outright in 2014.
“After an extensive evaluation of the business and broader production landscape, Matchbox is closing after 18 years (12 years since the acquisition of NBCU),” the parent company said in a statement. “While Universal International Studios remains committed to Australia, as strategic priorities change, the studio is evolving its operating model in the region. Moving forward, the company will continue to evaluate production opportunities and work with local producers and talent on a case-by-case basis as new projects emerge.”
Variety understands that Mr Ayers’ independent production company, Tony Ayers Productions, will also be shutting down. Ayers launched the company in 2018 with support from Universal.
The CEO of industry body Screen Producers Australia paid tribute to the company in a statement, saying: “The closure of Matchbox Pictures marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the modern Australian film industry. Matchbox has helped redefine Australian television and film for nearly 20 years. Ambitious, internationally confident and unapologetically local.”
“Many writers, producers and artisans have built careers through their work, and that legacy will continue through the people and projects they develop.Matchbox has helped demonstrate that Australian stories can resonate across borders, and its contribution will be felt across the industry.”
