In the remote Queensland town of Cracow, an unlikely transformation has taken place. Once a bustling gold rush-era hospital, the century-old building now serves as the permanent headquarters for an independent horror film company. With eerie props, repurposed rooms, and a creative community determined to push cinematic boundaries, the former hospital is breathing new life into regional filmmaking.
A New Chapter for an Old Landmark
Cracow, established in the 1930s as Australia’s last gold rush town, was once home to a thriving community of around 4,000 people. To support its booming population, Cracow Hospital opened its doors in the 1930s and served the community until its closure in the 1970s. Today, that very building has been reborn as a creative haven for filmmakers, having been purchased by Australian Regional Film Services (ARFS) in 2021.
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The property, which once echoed with the sounds of medical emergencies and recovery, now reverberates with the energy of film production. Gone are the remnants of its clinical past; the once-sterile corridors have been transformed into corridors of creativity. With its 30 bedrooms, covered verandah walkways, and long hallways resembling a boarding house, the building offers a unique and atmospheric backdrop for horror-comedy films.
From Hospital Halls to Horror Sets
At the heart of this transformation is Toby Barron, a 50-year-old special effects makeup artist turned director and writer. Originally travelling from Brisbane in 2018 to film the independent horror-comedy movie Two Heads Creek, Barron found himself captivated by the charm and potential of Cracow. “I was asked to come out and do a whole bunch of crazy props and different gags and stuff for the film, like somebody getting their stomach ripped out and intestines thrown all over the place,” Barron recalled with a laugh.
Barron’s initial plan was to spend only a couple of weeks in the town, but as fate would have it, he soon found a permanent creative home in Cracow. The property’s rich history and isolation—where the only sounds are those of crickets and the occasional bird—provide an ideal retreat for filmmakers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Today, not only does Barron call Cracow home, but his work has also attracted a small community of creatives who reside and work at the former hospital.
A Set Like No Other
Stepping onto the property, one is immediately struck by the cinematic atmosphere. At the end of Fourteenth Avenue, Toby Barron’s home is transformed into an extension of the movie set. Among the collection of props is a gnarly, three-headed dog reminiscent of Cerberus from Greek mythology. With its blood-splattered, vicious-looking teeth and imposing stance, the creature epitomizes the kind of visceral horror that the company strives to achieve on screen.
Rows of mannequins with gruesome wounds and shelves lined with prosthetic faces contribute to the overall macabre aesthetic. These props, meticulously crafted by team members such as special effects makeup artist Kadey Platt, are more than just set pieces—they are testaments to the company’s commitment to detail and authenticity in horror storytelling. “I’m actually working directly with all these guys and learning how films are made from scratch all the way through filming,” Platt said. Her hands-on experience in Cracow has offered her insights that she believes would have been hard to come by in the busy urban environment of Brisbane.
Creative Community in Regional Queensland
The transformation of Cracow Hospital into a film base has fostered a close-knit creative community that spans various roles in the film industry. While cast and crew members often travel the 500 kilometers from Brisbane for projects, about half a dozen creatives have chosen to make Cracow their home. This group includes writers, directors, special effects artists, and even local actors who occasionally appear on screen.
The former nurses’ quarters have been converted into a writing studio, complete with a green screen, professional lighting, and walls covered in highlighted scripts, edit scribbles, and sticky notes. This space serves as a creative incubator where ideas are nurtured, and new film projects take shape. Similarly, one of the hospital rooms has been transformed into a fully equipped film studio, enabling the production team to experiment with various effects and filming techniques in-house.
Residents of the town have also embraced the transformation. Locals frequently share anecdotes of their involvement in film scenes, with one pub regular proudly stating, “I was in that scene and you see me at the start of the film next to my car.” This melding of local talent with professional creatives has not only enriched the films produced at the base but has also infused the town with a renewed sense of community pride and excitement about its cinematic future.
Revitalizing Regional Filmmaking
State government agency Screen Queensland has recognized the potential in tapping into underutilised regional areas for film production. CEO Jacqui Feeney highlighted the benefits of regional settings, stating, “Queensland in particular is a geographically dispersed state, and not everything happens in south-east Queensland. We’re well aware of that.” Feeney noted that regional locations offer creative freedom and authenticity that are often missing in urban film productions. Although working in non-city locations may require extra travel and logistical planning, the trade-off is a more affordable lifestyle and a distinctive creative environment.
The transformation of the former Cracow Hospital is a prime example of how regional areas can become vibrant hubs of cultural production. With the support of ARFS and local government initiatives, filmmakers in Cracow are not only crafting unique cinematic experiences but also demonstrating that high-quality film production is not confined to major urban centres.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the Creative Horizon
Looking to the future, there are ambitious plans to further expand the film base in Cracow. According to Barron, the vision is to continue developing the property as a hub for regional filmmaking. “With everybody doing work in places like the Gold Coast and Brisbane, it seems like this is a very underutilised area,” he remarked. As finances allow, ARFS plans to add more filming areas and dedicated spaces for creating props and special effects. These expansions will enable the company to scale up production and potentially attract more projects to the region.
The transformation of Cracow Hospital is also opening doors for young and emerging filmmakers who see regional Queensland as an untapped reservoir of talent and creative energy. The combination of a historic, atmospheric setting and a supportive, collaborative community creates an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. This initiative is a testament to how regional revitalisation can extend beyond traditional industries and into the realm of arts and culture.
A Unique Blend of History and Innovation
The story of the former Cracow Hospital is one of transformation and reinvention. What was once a symbol of healthcare and recovery is now a stage for horror, creativity, and regional pride. The building’s century-old architecture provides a rich historical backdrop that enhances the eerie ambience required for horror films, while modern renovations have equipped it with the latest production technology.
This fusion of old and new is at the core of the company’s ethos. By preserving the building’s historical character and simultaneously injecting it with contemporary creative energy, the filmmakers have created a unique space where every corridor and room tells a story. The hospital’s once faded markers of its medical past have been replaced by vibrant murals, script-lined walls, and state-of-the-art filming equipment—all coexisting in a setting that inspires both nostalgia and innovation.
Community Impact and Economic Benefits
Beyond the artistic and creative aspects, the transformation of the Cracow Hospital has had a tangible impact on the local community. With the influx of film projects and the establishment of a permanent creative base, local businesses have seen a boost in patronage. Cafés, pubs, and local shops benefit from the increased traffic brought in by cast, crew, and curious visitors.
Moreover, the project has provided job opportunities and professional development for local residents. Some locals have even been cast in films, and others have contributed to the production process, whether through logistical support or by providing historical insights that enhance the authenticity of the films. This symbiotic relationship between the filmmakers and the local community is helping to revitalize Cracow, making it a model for regional cultural and economic regeneration.
Embracing the Future of Regional Filmmaking
As the horror film company continues to push creative boundaries, its innovative use of the former Cracow Hospital stands as a beacon of what is possible when historical preservation meets modern artistry. The facility not only functions as a base for film production but also serves as a training ground for future generations of filmmakers. By offering hands-on experience in every aspect of film production—from special effects and set design to scriptwriting and direction—the project is nurturing a new wave of creative talent poised to make their mark on the film industry.
This initiative underscores a broader trend in Australian cinema: the decentralisation of film production. With high production costs in metropolitan areas and an increasing desire for authenticity, regional locations are emerging as attractive alternatives. The success of the Cracow project may well inspire similar transformations in other underutilised areas, driving a more diverse and dynamic film industry that reflects the true breadth of Australia’s creative talent.
Conclusion
The transformation of Cracow Hospital into a dynamic movie base is more than just a creative endeavor—it is a celebration of regional ingenuity, historical preservation, and the relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. With its atmospheric setting, a dedicated team of creatives, and the unwavering support of local communities and government agencies, this former hospital is now a beacon of hope for regional filmmaking. As plans for expansion and future projects continue to evolve, the Cracow film base promises to usher in a new era for the horror genre and independent film production in Queensland, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected settings can yield the most extraordinary stories.
