Screen Nova Scotia (SNS), through its subsidiary, Screen Nova Studios Inc., will be acquiring Crown land to build Nova Scotia’s first-ever purpose-built film and television soundstage.
Following a Land RFP process in late 2022, an industry-led committee unanimously selected a 25-acre parcel of land adjacent to Exhibition Park on Highway 333. The parcel was chosen due to its size, quiet natural setting, and proximity to downtown, various amenities, priority 100-series highways and the services of the Bayers Lake Business Park. The property will accommodate the project’s first phase and expected future expansion while also leaving some area in its natural condition.
“After years of filming in old warehouses, off-season hockey rinks and curling clubs the construction of a dedicated, year-round soundstage is a huge and necessary step in continuing the evolution of the Nova Scotia film industry,” said Michael Volpe, President of Topsail Entertainment and Board of Director’s Chair for Screen Nova Scotia. “This will strengthen our competitiveness and generate economic and cultural benefits.”
This announcement comes 16 months after the provincial government announced its investment of $8 million toward a soundstage, with the goal of increasing the industry’s capacity, creating employment opportunities, and allowing productions to continue year-round. (Read that release HERE).
“This soundstage will create more year-round jobs and draw even more productions to Nova Scotia’s growing film industry,” said Premier Tim Houston. “It’s a win for the province and a win for the industry, and we’re pleased to help this exciting project find a home.”
SNS will next issue a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to help identify equity partners who want to work with the industry association to drive the project forward and bring this important piece of infrastructure to the province. The REOI is expected to be available on SNS’s website on August 24, 2023.
“A soundstage will anchor our industry for the future — attracting business, creating jobs, and playing a critical role in developing our workforce to grow the industry,” said Laura Mackenzie, Executive Director, Screen Nova Scotia. “We look forward to moving into the next phase of this project with our industry partners.”
For further information and/or interview requests, please contact:
Kelsey Power, Communications and Events Officer, Screen Nova Scotia
(e) kelsey@screennovascotia.com / (c) 1.902.229.1499