Stakeholders in Manitoba's television and film industries are optimistic about the outlook for the industry as it continues to recover following the end of strike action by the industry's two largest unions last September.
As of 2024, many productions have already been filming in Winnipeg, with more to come as time goes on. This growing success is due in part to the increase in film-related infrastructure. Ed Kolic is the CEO of Big Sky Studios, which completed construction on a brand new 188,000-square-foot facility before the strike action took place last year.
It wasn’t the start they expected in Winnipeg, but Kolick explained how things are looking up.
“It's a very positive sign,” Kolick said. “For example, one of the two productions we're discussing, if approved, would be the largest production ever to take place in Winnipeg.”
According to the Manitoba Film Commission, more than 25 productions were filmed in Manitoba in 2022, including Christmas movies such as Christmas Romance Tour Action comedy Violent Night.
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Lynne Skromeda, CEO of Manitoba Film and Music and film commissioner, believes diversity is Manitoba's strength as a film destination.
“We’ve expanded our filming locations from places like Chicago, New York, and Boston to other places,” Skromeda explains. “We also have a lot of great rural filming locations if you want a Midwestern feel.”
In addition to a variety of locations across the province, support from all levels of government helps to set the playing field through tax incentives and accessibility.
The industry hopes to be a $1 billion industry over the next decade, which means more jobs and more opportunities both in front of and behind the camera.
“It depends on where you want to go, the opportunities are different,” Skromeda said. “The unions are obviously a good place to start, the Institute of Directors… especially if you’re an accountant. We need a lot of accountants in our profession right now.”
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