Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and Television Production Grant saw a cut from $12 million to $10 million in the 2025-26 budget released by the provincial government on Wednesday (March 19).

In 2022, the grant was increased from $2 million to $10 million. Then in 2023, it grew to $12 million.

“Given the state of the economy and all the uncertainty, we weren’t looking for an increase. We were looking for status quo. So this was very disappointing. I’m not going to lie,” Robert Hardy, executive director of the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA, pictured), tells Playback Daily. “But we are bullish on the future, because we don’t think it’s as dire as it sounds, and it is not a sign that the government is not supporting the industry.”

Creative Saskatchewan echoed Hardy in its own statement, hoping for an increase but understanding the “cautious approach in the uncertain political environment that is our current reality.” The economic development agency also noted that the fund remains five times higher than it was three years prior, which will aid in supporting more than 40 projects into the next fiscal year.

Separate from the funding cut, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport are investing $300,000 towards upgrades in the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage to turn Studio 3 into a dual-use space that will allow it to be used as both a soundstage and a carpentry shop. Hardy pointed to this as a sign of continued support from the government.

“This industry in Saskatchewan is incredibly resilient,” says Hardy. “We actually think it’s tracking to be our busiest summer in years, both in terms of original Saskatchewan production and in terms of service productions and coproductions, even with this cut.”

The SMPIA has made a number of recommendations to Creative Saskatchewan regarding future enhancements to the grant, although Hardy declined to divulge more information, given those conversations are ongoing.

Image courtesy of SMPIA, photo by Myrna Petersen