Economic impact
The Manitoba media production industry has grown quickly — more than doubling its production volume — from $110 million in 2014-15 to over $269 million in 2018-19 (as reported in Manitoba Film & Music Annual Reports). Over half of the total production volume is typically spent right here in Manitoba on salaries, services and supplies. Our media production industry employs 2000+ Manitobans, including self-employed workers, entrepreneurs and service organization staff who work to enhance the development of the industry.
Manitoba companies, technicians, craftspersons, and actors all contribute to the success of this industry. They help to create everything from large-budget Hollywood films and Canadian features to television series, animated films, documentaries and more. Our award-winning production companies develop made-in-Manitoba projects like Dr. Keri: Prairie Vet, Taken, First Contact, Nikola Tesla and the End of The World, La Grande traversée, Canot Cocasse and many more.
Manitobans have a lot to be proud of. Our renowned media production industry raises the province’s profile nationally and internationally. Our films have showcased at major festivals including the Sundance Film Festival, the Festival de Cannes, Berlinale, the Toronto International Film Festival, Hot Docs and many others. And our documentary, dramatic and comedic series are distributed around the world. Manitoba is also at the forefront of innovation when it comes to new media and multi-platform projects. We are home to world-class VFX and animation companies, as well as artists who work with the latest in interactive digital media. We have companies who have developed systems to facilitate post-production processes and data transfer, and to tell narrative stories using VR and AR technologies.
On Screen Manitoba can help to guide you towards careers in animation and post-production, for information on careers in video games and other interactive digital media visit New Media Manitoba.
The strength of Manitoba’s production industry also lies in its diversity.
Over 40% of Manitoba media production companies are owned by women;
18% are Indigenous-owned; and,
4 companies focus on French-language content, but produce a large percentage of overall Manitoba content.
Our industry is growing, creating jobs and developing businesses in a wide range of sectors from food services to set design, construction, digital effects design, accounting and more.
Visit On Screen Manitoba’s production directory to browse active companies and industry professionals.
