The Manitoba government is hailing a $30-million private sector investment that will create 300 new jobs over the next three years, and bolster both the regional economy and the province’s burgeoning film and production industry.
“This is proof positive that Manitoba is open for business and our government is taking action to build stronger communities and create new economic opportunities,” Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan said. “Manitoba’s film industry is thriving with 88 projects in the last year generating $365 million. Whether it’s the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit, our new direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, or infrastructure improvements that propel growth, we are taking concrete steps to support Manitoba jobs and grow the economy.”
Volume Global and Julijette Inc. have announced the development of Jette Studios, a state-of-the-art, full-service film and television studio village in Niverville that leverages the latest technology and includes 18,581 sq.-ft. of studio space. As construction is completed in two phases starting this summer, the facility will be instrumental in supporting the 1,500 Manitobans who make up the province’s film labour force into the future, Khan added.
“Our government has committed to working with the Town of Niverville on strategic infrastructure projects to further enhance and attract economic growth in the area,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said.
The Manitoba government has also committed to $40.6 million worth of infrastructure investments in and around Niverville in its five-year Multi-year Infrastructure Investment Strategy to support one of the fastest-growing areas of the province, Piwniuk noted.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, partnership and a lot of hard work,” said Mayor Myron Dyck, Town of Niverville. “We thank the Manitoba government for their investment in the much-needed infrastructure upgrades that will trigger this significant economic development project.”
The Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit is one of the most competitive in North America. Since being introduced in 2017, it has become a stable incentive for attracting production to the province. Last year, 122 projects benefitted from the tax credit that supported $525 million in production over a 30-month period. As a result of Jette Studios being located outside Winnipeg, productions will receive an additional five per cent rural tax credit.
The Manitoba government has also recently provided $4.8 million to help the Winnipeg Airport Authority improve direct flight connectivity from Winnipeg to international destinations such as offering three flights per week to Los Angeles, Piwniuk noted.
“This government has created an environment that encourages partnerships that lead to significant private investment and economic opportunities benefitting the local economy, the region and the province,” Piwniuk said. “This project leverages natural advantages–proximity to the U.S. border and to an international airport in Winnipeg–with targeted investments in our infrastructure network, our talented labour force, tax credits and connectivity to Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of North America.”
