Screen Nova Scotia purchases 20-acre property for soundstage facility

Graphic of planned television and film soundstage provided by Screen Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s first dedicated TV and film soundstage facility is set to open later this year to expand the province’s film industry and allow productions to continue year-round.

Screen Nova Scotia purchased a 20-acre property for the facility with help from the province, which pitched in $8 million, according to a news release.

“Film and television production is booming in our province. We’re committed to fuelling that success, which creates high-value jobs and drives economic growth,” said Premier Tim Houston in the news release Thursday.

The property in Mount Uniacke, N.S., contains several buildings, which will support two soundstages and production offices. An equestrian centre will be repurposed into an additional stage.

Screen Nova Scotia said upgrades and renovations on the 20-acre property will begin immediately. It expects the facility will be ready for the 2025 summer/fall production season.

Laura Mackenzie, the executive director of Screen Nova Scotia, called it a “pivotal moment” for the province’s film industry post-2015, referring to the year the previous Liberal government made cuts to the film industry tax credit.

“Over the past 10 years, the film industry has not only rebuilt but has now re-established its position as a key player in boosting our economy,” said Mackenzie.

“Today’s announcement is a vital part of our growth potential. A soundstage will anchor our industry for the future – providing a year-round home for productions, attracting business, creating jobs and playing a critical role in developing our workforce to grow the industry.”

The province first announced funding for the soundstage in 2022. Screen Nova Scotia said it explored multiple properties and options and found the Mount Uniacke location in the summer of 2024.

The Nova Scotia government earmarked $77 million for the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund in 2024-25.

Nova Scotia approved 88 productions for 2024-25.

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