Released on September 7, 2000
Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale and Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon today announced funding of
$60,000 cost-shared under the Canada/Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership
Agreement (WEPA) for a feasibility study on the development of a film
production studio in Saskatchewan.
The Regina Regional Economic Development Authority (RREDA), along with
Saskatchewan film industry representatives, has led the drive for a detailed
study, which would include a complete business plan and the development of
financing options. The authority's background work has determined there is both
sufficient existing activity and growth potential in Saskatchewan's film sector
to justify the estimated $140,000 study.
The feasibility study will determine variables such as the current and future
demand or need for a sound stage and post-production facility serving the
Saskatchewan film industry and other related users.
The authority envisions a facility comprising a film production studio
building, post-production facility totaling an estimated $9 million to $11
million. There is also interest in a film industry incubator office complex.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the province and the
Regina Regional Economic Development Authority on a project that could
strengthen Saskatchewan's existing film industry, creating employment
opportunities and economic spin-offs with a significant impact for both rural
and urban areas," said Minister Goodale on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary
of State for Western Economic Diversification. "We're helping build an
infrastructure and add value to an innovative industry that has tremendous
growth potential."
"Saskatchewan's young film and video industry has seen incredible growth in
recent years, thanks in large part to WEPA support of industry labour needs and
the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit our government introduced,"
MacKinnon said. "The industry is appropriately now looking at next steps – the
facilities and training needed to create even more jobs and opportunities for
some of our most creative and talented people."
"We are pleased to be playing a role in this significant initiative.
Saskatchewan has an industry and host of locations that puts Saskatchewan in a
globally competitive position," said Marty Klyne, Regina Regional Economic
Development Authority President and Chief Operating Officer. Klyne went on to
say, "Saskatchewan has the crew capacity and producer credibility to undertake
large production projects. We want these projects to happen at home in
Saskatchewan – currently local producers are using soundstages and post-
production facilities outside our province."
The WEPA contributions are in addition to a $7,500 contribution from Western
Economic Diversification Canada and $7,500 from Saskatchewan Economic and
Cooperative Development to help the RREDA complete background research in a
$15,000 pre-feasibility study.
The film sector in Saskatchewan is one of the fastest growing industries in the
province. Generating $6 million in revenues in 1991, the industry has grown
eight-fold over the last seven years and was worth $50 million to the
Saskatchewan economy in 1998.
From 1998 to 2002 the Canada/Saskatchewan WEPA, administered by Western
Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative
Development, will direct $40 million toward initiatives that support new
economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing initiatives,
and new economic opportunities, including rural and northern economic
development.
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For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and
Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942
WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
WD World Wide Web site:
English - http://www.wd.gc.ca
French - http://www.deo.gc.ca
Bob Ellis
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Economic and
Co-operative Development
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-1691
Marty Klyne
President and COO
Regina Regional Economic
Development Authority
(306) 522-0227