Manitoba is embarking on a mission to advertise the province as a great location investment for the Los Angeles film industry, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Andrew Smith and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced Sunday.
“Manitoba’s booming film, television and digital media industry plays a very important role within the provincial economy and has seen unprecedented growth previously few years,” said Smith.
“Manitoba is open for business and our government is committed to fostering continued and sustainable growth on this thriving sector. I sit up for leading this first-ever delegation to advertise Manitoba’s benefits to key industry leaders and strengthen business and investment relationships.”
With the recent completion of Big Sky Studios’ recent state-of-the-art facility, Manitoba is well equipped to draw large-scale film and series productions, Smith said.
“We’re so excited to be hosting a big delegation of Manitobans on a mission to California in support of our local film and digital media production sector,” said Rod Bruinooge, executive officer and film commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music.
“That is a great time to focus on the entire recent developments in our market including a recent direct flight from Los Angeles to Winnipeg in addition to recent studio space that has opened this yr.”
The brand new direct route from Winnipeg to Los Angeles will operate thrice per week on a year-round basis.
Manitoba provided $4.8 million to Winnipeg Airports Authority to assist improve direct flight connectivity from Winnipeg to international markets.
“Latest routes, reminiscent of the one to Los Angeles, help provide more leisure travel options, more convenience for those flying for business, and more dollars for the province’s economy. We’re proud to work with all our partners to point out industries the world over that Manitoba is the place to be,” said Nick Hays, president and CEO of WAA.
The Manitoba delegation and the consul general of Canada to america will co-host an industry-focused reception to showcase how the province is well-positioned to work with Hollywood to supply blockbuster movies and series.
Members of the Manitoba delegation will meet with corporations across a wide range of sectors on the mission, Cullen said.
“Los Angeles is a hotbed for film, video-game development and animation. Through the convenience of this direct connection, we’re excited to construct more opportunities for Manitoba’s creative industries,” said Dayna Spiring, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg.
The funding provided was one in all many strategic investments constructed from the province’s $50-million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund to bolster economic growth and create jobs, added Cullen.
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