Universal International Studios has announced that Matchbox Pictures will cease operations, bringing an end to one of Australia’s most famous and prolific production companies.
In a statement provided to IF, the studio said the decision to close the company was made based on “an extensive evaluation of the business and broader production environment.”
“While Universal International Studios remains committed to Australia, the studio is evolving its operating model in the region as strategic priorities change.”
“Going 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.”
The studio added that Matchbox has a “long and distinguished history” and has played a key role in elevating Australia’s creative talent.
Matchbox Pictures was founded in 2008 by Tony Ayers, Penny Chapman, Helen Boden, Michael McMahon and Helen Pankhurst. NBCUniversal International acquired a majority stake in 2011, its first investment in a company outside the UK, and took full ownership in 2014.
In 2018, Ayers launched his own company, Tony Ayers Productions (TAP), with support from Matchbox and Universal International Studios. As part of this decision, the company will also cease operations. Ayers is currently focused on writing.
Yerin Ha and Charlie Vickers from “Survivors.”
Matchbox’s latest project is the ABC comedy “Dog Park,” currently airing on ABC and starring Leon Ford and Celia Pacuola. Survivors, produced by TAP and starring Yerin Ha, became the most-watched local series on Netflix in 2025, with 19.7 million views in the first half of the year and 8.3 million views in the second half.
Throughout its history, Matchbox has produced more than 55 projects, working with all Australian networks and a range of international partners. Although best known for its premium scripted dramas, its slate spans both film and television across a variety of genres, including children’s, comedy, documentary, and reality. It has won Screen Producers Australia’s Production Company of the Year award three times.
2011’s The Slap was widely regarded as a turning point in the international perception of Australian drama. International distribution company DCD Rights will distribute it worldwide, including to the BBC, Arte, SundanceTV, DIRECTV, and has also signed a format deal in the United States. DCD Rights CEO Nikki Davis-Williams previously said the series helped convince international buyers that Australian scripted television could be world-class.
Other critical successes include Safe Harbor, which won an International Emmy Award. “Stateless” was co-produced with Cate Blanchett’s “Dirty Films,” which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, and “House of Gods,” for which star Kamel El Basha won Best Actor at Series Mania. Children’s series Nowhere Boys won a BAFTA and an International Emmy Award, Glitch was one of the first Australian series co-produced by Netflix, and Clickbait reached number one on Netflix in over 20 countries.
In recent years, Matchbox has also provided production services to various Universal projects in Australia, including La Brea and All Her Fault.
“Matchbox has made a huge contribution to Australian film and television, with ground-breaking shows that have defined the industry and captivated national and international audiences. I am extremely proud of the achievements of the entire Matchbox team and the quality of work the company has produced over the past 18 years,” managing director Alastair McKinnon said in a statement.
In addition to its founders, Matchbox Pictures is home to many notable industry figures, including current and former staff such as Amanda Higgs, Debbie Lee, Louise Fox, Kylie Washington, Chris Oliver-Taylor, Kueh-Ming Lu and Matt Vitins.
The company has been committed to diversity and inclusion, as recognized by the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network in 2018 for projects such as the drama series The Heights and the drama Hungry Ghosts. We are also a leader in environmental sustainability and one of the founding members of Sustainable Screens Australia.
