This year, Australia’s first ever private cinema and events space, The Backlot Studios, is introducing a unique experience for film lovers of Victoria: a rooftop drive-in cinema located in the Docklands Harbour Town precinct.

Situated on top of a six-level carpark just 200 metres from the towering Melbourne Star, The Backlot Rooftop Drive-in will be inaugurated on Boxing Day.

Some of the first films to be showcased at the cinema include the much anticipated sequel, ‘Red Dog: True Blue’; family favourite, ‘Trolls’; acclaimed comedy, ‘Why Him?’; and Brad Pitt’s latest film, ‘Allied’.

The twin drive-in cinema will also feature a ‘blue-deck’ seated area, where viewers can enjoy the movie al fresco, taking in the twinkling lights of the surrounding city.

Co-founder and director of The Backlot Studios, Tony Ianiro hopes that this innovative idea will enhance the reputation of Melbourne as our nation’s cultural capital.

Growing up in Epping among a southern Italian family from the Campania region, Ianiro fondly remembers his first experience at the symbolic ‘drive-in’ in the early ‘80s.

“My zia had just got her licence, so she took my sister and me to a double-feature of ‘Grease’ and ‘Xanadu’ at the Thomastown Drive-in,” he recalls.

Ianiro’s passion for film has become a full-time profession, and he has been in the industry for almost three decades since his humble beginnings at Hoyts in 1987.

Around four years ago, Tony and his business partner Mark D’Angelo decided to bring something totally new to the Melbourne entertainment scene with The Backlot Studios.

“We had a crazy idea and took a huge risk that paid off,” he says.

“Not a day goes by where it feels like work; it’s been an amazing ride so far and we see this as an extension of our own passion for film and cinema.”

Located in Southbank, The Backlot Studios is popularly used for film openings, corporate events and private functions.

“We’ve also hired out the private cinema to couples, so that when they come back from their honeymoon they can invite family and friends to come and view their wedding video,” Ianiro says.

“It’s something that’s gaining a lot of interest lately.”

It seems that the folk at The Backlot Studios have an eye for new trends, and we have a feeling that their rooftop drive-in is set to become just another of their successful ideas that will take our city by storm.

For more information and tickets visit The Backlot Rooftop Drive-in’s website.