M anitoba is headed to Hollywood as the government continues its push to attract new productions to the province.

Members of the local film and TV industry, as well as government officials, economic development partners and Indigenous leaders will take part in the province’s “first-ever” mission to L.A., announced by Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Andrew Smith and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen.

The mission begins Monday (Oct. 31) and coincides with the American Film Market in Santa Monica, as well as the creation of a direct flight between Winnipeg and L.A. with WestJet. The government invested $4.8 million to Winnipeg Airports Authority to “improve direct flight connectivity from Winnipeg to international markets,” according to a release. The amount is part of Manitoba’s $50-million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund.

The flight runs three times per week and will “strengthen ties between Manitoba and the U.S.,” said Cullen.

As part of the mission the delegation will co-host a reception with the Consul General of Canada, which will “showcase Manitoba’s competitive advantages and how the province is well positioned to work with Hollywood to produce blockbuster films and series.”

The province recently opened Big Sky Studios, a 187,000-square-foot location equipped with multiple sound stages, production office space and on-site equipment rentals. The studio recently confirmed a partnership with William F. White International as part of the launch.

“This is an ideal time to highlight all of the new developments in our market,” said Rod Bruinooge, executive officer and film commissioner, Manitoba Film and Music, in a statement. “Last year, Manitoba had its most successful year with $365 million in production volume and with these new developments we see that number continuing to grow.”

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