Soundstage funding part of $23 million provincial investment in film industry

The province will also establish the Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund for eligible Nova Scotia-led productions

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

Listen to this article

The provincial government is giving the film industry a $23 million boost.

At a Tuesday morning announcement, Premier Tim Houston said the aim is to make Nova Scotia the “go to production hub” of North America.

He said, with streaming services pushing the demand for entertainment to an all-time high, this is the perfect opportunity to expand the local industry.

“Many production hubs are already taking a closer look at what we have to offer in this province,” he stated. “Last year we saw production take off and it’s the right time to push the envelope.”

An $8 million investment will go toward building a soundstage in HRM so productions can continue year-round.

The 4,645 square-metre (50,000 sq. ft.) facility is expected to cost a total of $20 million, with the remaining funds coming from other partners and private investors.

The executive director of Screen Nova Scotia said a soundstage is an essential piece of infrastructure for the industry.

“A soundstage extends our production season from nine to 12 months, creating reliable year-over-year employment, rather than having our crews leave in the winter to go find work in Toronto or Vancouver,” Laura Mackenzie explained.

“And as we enter into one of the most significant workforce transitions in history, a soundstage will be a major tool in assisting the industry in creating upwards of 500 highly skilled jobs in the next five years.”

Another $15 million will be used to establish the Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund, providing $3 million a year for the next five years to eligible Nova Scotia-led productions.

“This fund will stimulate creative innovation for, not only our current crop of filmmakers, but also a new and diverse generation of Nova Scotians who will write, direct and produce the province’s next hit movie or binge-worthy TV series,” said Mike Volpe, Screen Nova Scotia’s board of directors chair.

Houston expects a healthy film industry to also stimulate Nova Scotia’s tourism sector.

Crews fill hotels and restaurants, often requiring local supplies and transportation.

The premier will be joining Screen Nova Scotia representatives later this week for a trip to Los Angeles.

“To meet with decision-makers at HBO, Netflix, Sony, NBC Universal, Disney and more, to tell them what Nova Scotia has to offer, and to show them we’re open for business,” Houston added.

According to the province, the film industry contributed about $180.8 million to Nova Scotia’s economy in 2021-22, almost double $91.6 million the year before.