The film and television industry in Manitoba is thriving and a new Manitoba government investment is expected to further strengthen the industry for those currently working in it and those looking to get into it. This statement was made by Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald as she recently announced an investment of over $590,000 over two years into On Screen Manitoba.
“A strong and vibrant film industry is important to our cultural identity but more so, it’s a major job source for hundreds of Manitobans. It’s no doubt this is a competitive industry, and whether you work as a filmmaker, actor, producer or set designer, you have to be on top of your game,” said Minister Oswald. “We support those working in this industry and by investing in On Screen Manitoba, we’re paving the way for future success.”
“These investments will nourish emerging opportunities in film and television production and create good jobs for Manitobans,” said Minister Oswald. “On Screen Manitoba is a strong voice and an integral part of Manitoba’s film industry, and we are pleased to support their excellent efforts with this investment in their industry development project.”
On Screen Manitoba is a professional association that leads, builds and represents the Manitoba media production industry. Membership includes individuals and industry organizations such as production companies, labour groups, distributors, broadcasters, service suppliers, training bodies and exhibitors, representing 1,500 industry professionals from the many multi-cultural communities of Manitoba.
“The Manitoba government’s long-term partnership with our sector has helped to build the flourishing industry we see today. This new investment in industry development will allow On Screen Manitoba to work with Manitoba production companies and other industry stakeholders to harness emerging opportunities nationally and internationally,” said Nicole Matiation, executive director, On Screen Manitoba.
Matiation noted there are currently over a dozen projects shooting in Manitoba including two dramatic television series, three feature films and two feature documentaries. As well, five Manitoba production companies are working on other documentaries, at least four documentary series and a number of commercials. In 2013-14, Manitoba-made productions garnered 24 nominations and took home 15 national and international awards.
According to An Economic Impact Evaluation of the Manitoba Media Production Industry (2009-2013):
- Manitoba’s film and television production industry generates an average annual gross domestic product of $71.4 million;
- the industry attracts an average of $58.2 million annually in production funding from outside of Manitoba, 24 per cent coming from international sources;
- Manitoba’s media production industry employs an average of 1,267 full-time workers per year;
- 23 per cent of Manitoba production companies are Aboriginal or Métis owned, and 48 per cent are owned by women;
- the industry contributed an estimated $135.7 million in combined tax revenues (federal, provincial and local) in the past five years; and
- over the last five years, Manitoba hosted 336 film and television productions, for an average of 67 per year.
From 2001 to 2013, the Manitoba government invested $2.16 million towards On Screen Manitoba projects, under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, Minister Oswald noted.
For more information about On Screen Manitoba, visit www.onscreenmanitoba.com.
