WINNIPEG — Big Sky Studios, a new film production centre with three soundstages, is currently being built in Winnipeg and is expected to be operational in fall 2021.
The announcement comes today from the partnership group behind Big Sky Studios, led by Vancouver-based Eighth Avenue Development Group, which in February purchased the new studio’s nine-acre property in Winnipeg which already houses a 137,000-square-foot building (photo above is from the Big Sky web site) previously used as headquarters for the now-bankrupt fashion company Nygard International.
The building is being retrofitted to transform existing interiors into a soundstage, production offices, meeting rooms, workshops, on-site equipment rentals and specialty areas for different film departments, says the group’s press release. This phase of the film production centre transformation is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In addition, as part of phase two, construction will soon begin on two new soundstages that will add another 30,000 sq. ft. of clear-span filming space beyond the building’s existing walls. This phase is expected to be completed by spring 2022.
Discussions are currently underway with filmmakers across North America to bring their projects to Winnipeg, says the release.
“Big Sky Studios will incorporate three state-of-the-art soundstages and all necessary support spaces to accommodate multiple productions concurrently, along with long-term tenancies for industry-related services like equipment rentals, VFX, animation, and editing,” said Ed Kolic from Eighth Avenue, in the press release.
“We believe Big Sky Studios will be an ongoing catalyst for economic growth for both Winnipeg and Manitoba. With its central location on the continent, its respected film production crews, iconic architecture and landscapes, and favourable tax credit regime, Winnipeg is the perfect place to make this long-term investment in film and television production,” added Kolic.
Rachel Rusen, CEO and film commissioner at Manitoba Film & Music, said: “In recent years, the series and features shooting in Manitoba have increased in scale and duration. Demand for studio space has never been greater, and this level of private investment speaks to that opportunity. Manitoba Film & Music is confident this new facility will spark future multi-project studio deals and long-term production commitments.”
“The Manitoba media production industry more than doubled in volume these past few years,” added Nicole Matiation, executive director of On Screen Manitoba. “Increased physical infrastructure is key to fostering new growth and opportunity for Manitoba production companies and the more than 2,500 industry professionals who live and work here. Congratulations and welcome to the team at Big Sky Studios. On Screen Manitoba looks forward to working with you.”
