Perth film studio a step closer to reality AN ambitious plan to establish Perth's first film studio in the next three years is a step closer, with key investors joining the project. Local producer Stephen Van Mil announced in October that his production company, Impian Films, had teamed up with British firm The Extraordinary Group to build the studio by 2016, at an estimated cost of $50 million. Less than two months later, Van Mil says there has been "extremely strong" interest from local and international people wanting to invest in the studio. Van Mil told AAP there would be a full announcement of investors in 2014. It's not going to be a restful Christmas for us. There's a lot to do," he said. The facility - which is almost certain to be built at Murdoch University - will include three sound stages, a water tank, a production hub and a 260-room hotel with restaurants, bars, a cinema, nightclub and gymnasium. Van Mil said the developers wanted to create a community space where the cinema complex and a film and television museum would be attractions, with the film studio separate. "The studio won't be for public access," he said. It makes it far more functional for everyone. The Extraordinary Group chief executive Chris Samwells said the venture had "more than enough investors." Murdoch University commercial services director Karen Schmidt said the university was considering Extraordinary's proposal and negotiating with it exclusively. "It's not a binding agreement - we still need to look at a detailed proposal, but it's exciting for us academically," she told AAP. A Perth studio is expected to encourage more filmmakers to work in WA, with Hollywood stars such as Ewan McGregor and Simon Pegg recently working in the state. Van Mil hopes the studio will attract international productions as well as support the local industry.