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Statement from the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) Regarding Volume Global’s Decision to Leave Saskatchewan After Remaining Productions Wrap

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SMPIA is aware of Volume Global’s decision to leave Saskatchewan after they finish filming their two remaining productions.

This is a business decision they’ve made and we respect that. We’re sorry to see them go, but with change comes opportunity. We’d like to explain why.

But first, it’s important to note that Creative Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan have not invested in Volume Global or their technology. Their only investments have been in the eligible Saskatchewan labour and expenses related to projects using the technology in their productions; and in upgrades to the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage which will benefit all producers and industry.

Volume Global arrived with great fanfare, made a long-term booking at the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage, and promised a steady stream of production that would keep the soundstage busy and crews working.

Since they arrived in 2022, Volume Global has produced two films, which employed 323 people and generated $32.5 million in economic impact. We look forward to their next two projects happening in Saskatchewan as well.

It’s important to remember, though, that over the same period, Creative Saskatchewan has also committed an additional $20.4 million to 64 other productions that will have an estimated Saskatchewan spend of over $53.1 million, generating an approximate economic output of $93.2 million and over 690 jobs.

That all adds up over $124 million in economic spin off between 2022 and now. And with or without Volume Global, we anticipate the same ore more spin offs on future productions in the next two years.

As well, the Government of Saskatchewan has increased its support for the film and television industry through its filming incentive from $2 million a year to $12 million a year. That’s helping increase the number of productions in this province year after year.

Among those productions are the hit CBC web series ZARQA, the action thriller Die Alone, recently released in the US and Canada, the documentary series Guardians of the North, and A Cowboy Christmas, filmed in Maple Creek, which we’re holding an IMAX screening of on December 15^th.

At the same time, SMPIA has invested significantly in the training and development of crews, producers and creatives in this province to increase our workforce and our capacity to make great movies and TV shows. We are committed to a measured growth approach for Saskatchewan’s film industry, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Our strategy involves training individuals across a diverse range of productions and roles in every aspect of filmmaking. Partnering with local producers and experts, we believe a diverse portfolio is the best way to grow Saskatchewan’s film industry sustainably. We’ll continue to do so.

Some public statements on social media seem to have been made trying to blame Saskatchewan’s grant system, crews and acting talent for their problems. But we know that’s not the case. The many movies and television series made here since 2022 tell the truth. Saskatchewan’s film incentive is the envy of North America. Our crew base is talented and growing. And our actors are equally talented and strong.

Volume walls are one tool in the toolbox we use to make movies. But it’s just one way of making movies, and it doesn’t reflect the totality of our vibrant, diverse industry.

With Volume Global leaving, this makes room for the many other productions interested in booking the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage to make movies and television series here. The departure of a single company once they have completed their slate does not negatively impact the entire film industry. Saskatchewan continues to attract both modest and big-budget productions, with record levels of activity last year and even more expected this year.

We’re looking forward to seeing the soundstage once again lit up with Volume Global’s remaining productions, followed by many more, who will take their place in this fantastic facility in the coming months and years.

Those upcoming productions will of course be supported by Creative Saskatchewan’s incredible grants, and SMPIA’s training initiatives.

We look forward to continuing to work together with the government, industry and community to continue to grow Saskatchewan’s dynamic film and television industry.