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Saskatchewan production grant receives $2 million increase

By Kelly Townsend
March 23, 2023
The Feature Film and Television Production Grant has increased to $12 million for the fiscal year, announced in the province's 2023-24 budget.

The government of Saskatchewan has increased its support for the province’s film and TV grant for the second year in a row.

The Feature Film and Television Production Grant received a 20% boost, increasing its annual budget to $12 million from $10 million in the previous fiscal year. The additional funds were announced as part of the Saskatchewan 2023-24 budget, released Wednesday (March 22).

Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean said in a statement that the increase to the grant will lead to an estimated $55.8 million “in positive economic outputs, and over 250 new jobs.”

The government boosted the province’s screen sector in 2022-23 with its initial $8 million increase to the grant program, which also saw the cap expand to $5 million and the addition of regional incentives. The investment led to a crop of new productions and copros in the province, with the government providing a one-time $7.5 million addition to the grant program during the fiscal year to meet demand.

The province has been home to 18 productions since the grant re-launched, according to Creative Saskatchewan, while the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) has said the province’s purpose-built production hub, the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage, is currently fully booked. Among the productions supported by the grant are Our Big Punjabi Family (pictured) and APTN lumi’s The Feather News.

“This is the catalyst which gives our producers the support they need to attract new private and federal money while expanding their screen-based business ventures,” said SMPIA president Mike MacNaughton in a statement.

“The word spread around the globe last year that Saskatchewan is film-friendly and open for business,” added Christopher Triffo, Creative Saskatchewan board member and principal at Regina and Vancouver-based Wavelength Entertainment. “This increased investment into Saskatchewan people and productions puts our money where our mouth is. It sends a strong message that we’re open for business, and we’re ready to work.”

Photo by Peter Christensen