Winnipeg, MB (October 20, 2022) – William F. White International Inc. (WFW), a Sunbelt Rentals company, is pleased to announce its partnership with Big Sky Studios (BSS), a new full-service 187,000 sq. ft. film and television studio owned and operated by Vancouver-based Eighth Avenue Development Group Ltd., the general partner for Eighth Winnipeg Studios Limited Partnership.

This collaborative partnership brings together a modern, innovative studio complex with the experienced, service-focused teams at WFW and Sunbelt Rentals, who have a proven track record of providing equipment solutions to productions across Canada and internationally.

“We’re thrilled to be working with BSS and boosting our support to clients interested in filming in the Winnipeg region,” says Robert Rowan, General Manager, WFW Calgary and Winnipeg. “The City of Winnipeg has a strong and established reputation as a production hub for the film and television industry. We believe that this brand-new, world-class studio complex coupled with our extensive equipment offering will help promote the city as a top destination, especially for larger film and television productions.”

The first phase of BSS is now officially open. The building’s recent renovations include transforming 137,000 sq. ft. of existing interiors into two soundstages at 17,000 sq. ft. and 12,800 sq. ft., renovated production offices, workshops, on-site equipment rental and specialty areas for various film departments, all fully air conditioned. The second phase will see the addition of two purpose-built 15,000 sq. ft. clear span soundstages with 40-foot-high ceilings, along with indoor climate-controlled loading, with a planned completion date of December 2022.

“In response to industry research, our purpose-built studio boasts a user-centric design to suit the needs of any production, including scalable office space and robust facilities for prop sets, wardrobe, mill, painting and more,” says Ed Kolic, CEO, BSS. “This is a unique offering in Manitoba, one which will elevate the scale of what is now offered in the Winnipeg market. We’re excited for this partnership with WFW to further tap into the potential of this growing industry.”

Manitoba’s Film and Media Tax Credit (up to 65 per cent on Manitoba labour, or up to 38 per cent on eligible Manitoba expenditures, and a 10 per cent increase on the labour tax credit on the third film shot within a two-year period) – the most competitive tax credit in Canada – is a significant incentive for producers. As well, the extensive variety of locations, experienced local production crews, and direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles make Manitoba an extremely appealing place to shoot.

Media Contacts

WFW / Ashley Villarroel / Manager, Communications / avillarroel@whites.com

BSS / Jocelyn Mitchell / Business Development and Marketing / jocelyn@bigskystudios.ca