Ground has been broken on Manitoba’s first soundstage facility, the $7.7-million Prairie Production Centre.

The first phase of the project includes the construction of a 15,000-square-foot, 35-foot-high clear-span soundstage and 3,750 square feet worth of production office space, and is scheduled to open this September.

Karen Fonseth, former executive director of the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, has been named managing director of the Prairie Production Centre.

The second phase of the studio, scheduled for completion in September 2000, will house two additional soundstages, post-production facilities, additional production offices, and tenant space for production companies, post firms and other related businesses.

The entire 67,000-square-foot facility is being built on three acres of land in Winnipeg’s West End.

The studio will be available for tv series, feature films, and commercial and music video production.

The project is spearheaded by a consortium of Manitoba business leaders, chaired by broadcasting executive David Asper.

Financing for the soundstage has come by way of private investment, the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement, the Province of Manitoba and the Crocus Investment Fund.