Sask. increases film and television production grant by $8M

Sask. reveals 2022-23 budget WATCH: The Government of Saskatchewan released its 2022-23 budget which includes a $463M deficit. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The Government of Saskatchewan is increasing its film and television production grant by $8 million in the 2022-23 budget.

Previously, the program had $2 million in grants available. There will now be $10 million to distribute.

The province said the goal is for the Creative Saskatchewan Production Grant Program to draw more and larger projects to the province.

“With the significant rise in streaming services rapidly developing content, we are seeing a real opportunity to help Saskatchewan businesses take advantage of this demand,” Laura Ross, the minister of parks, culture and sport, said in a release.

Ross said the increase in funding should directly benefit people in the province. Only Saskatchewan labour, goods and services are eligible to apply.

According to the province, the investment will see more employment in the film and television sector. It will also help grow the IT and digital industries and is expected to bring more spending to the hospitality sector.

The application process for the 2022-23 Creative Saskatchewan Production Grant will open this spring.

RENAMING THE SOUND STAGE

While reading the new budget in the legislative assembly, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said the Regina sound stage will be getting a new name as activity is expected to increase in the building.

“We’re going to see a lot of activity at the Regina Sound Stage,” Harpauer said. “We recently lost a strong advocate for economic growth in our capital city and in our province and so today, I am very pleased to honour his memory by renaming this important facility The John Hopkins Regina Sound Stage.”

Hopkins was the CEO for the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce. He lost his long battle with prostate cancer in February.

He was known for his passion for local business and music.