Behind-the-scenes of Season 4 of Burden of Truth (CBC, Eagle Vision) (R to L) Kristin Kreuk and Megan Sodomsky
Photo by Shauna Townley
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.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is the national union of professional performers in English-language recorded media, including TV, film, radio and digital media. ACTRA Manitoba has a membership including actors, singers, stunt performers, dancers, voice specialists and others.
The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization that represents key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. DGC Manitoba represents members locally in the areas of direction, production, locations, accounting and editing.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is a labour union made up of specialty artists, technicians and freelance craft workers across North America. IATSE Local 856 represents freelance specialty artists, technicians and crafts workers in the Manitoba motion picture industry.
The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) 669 is a branch of IATSE that represents camera personnel involved in motion picture, film, digital, internet and television production in Western Canada. The ICG 669 membership is involved in all aspects of film and television that pertain to the camera.
Manitoba Film and Music (MFM) is the provincial film commission and the first point of contact for production inquiries regarding filming in the province. MFM provides location packages, scouting services and information on tax credits, crew, infrastructure and more. MFM administers the Manitoba Film & Video Production Tax Credit on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and delivers film funding and equity programs.
The Manitoba Film Liaison Office provides access to all provincial government facilities: buildings, sites, hospitals, highways, parks and crown lands. It works with the Manitoba Film Commission, the Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office and location managers to facilitate filming requests, from initial location scouting to negotiating facility use agreements. It is also the first point of contact for filming requests related to municipalities outside Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Film and Special Events Office is committed to promoting and facilitating filming in Winnipeg, ranging from small independent films and documentaries to big-budget Academy Award-winning studio productions. Whether it’s finding the perfect urban location, getting permits to film a streetscape or renting a fire truck, its staff have decades of experience in the industry and the civic contacts you need to make your project a success.
The Town of Churchill has a strong understanding of the need for balance regarding the rights and wishes of our citizens and the unique requirements of the film industry. Most importantly, The Town of Churchill recognizes that safety and security is of utmost importance. Churchill’s remote location and curious wildlife makes them a one-of-a-kind filming location with a variety of different safety procedures.
Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a non-profit sector council that provides a range of in-person and online courses, including some which are required for membership in ICG 669, ACTRA Manitoba and DGC Manitoba. FTM offers courses, workshops, masterclasses, and on-the-job training programs through internships and mentorships.
National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is the only national training organization in Western Canada for writers, directors and producers in film, television and digital media. Based in Winnipeg, it provides training, development and production support, exposure, resources and support to film, television, and digital media industry members.
On Screen Manitoba (OSM) is a non-profit member-driven industry association. As the provincial media production industry association, OSM advocates locally and nationally for a positive filming environment in Manitoba. It represents all components of the industry including production companies, unions, service suppliers, film commissions, training organizations, film festivals, writers, directors, producers and other industry professionals. OSM connects its members to each other and to information and resources to help them develop projects, build their business, prepare for production and develop their career.
The Winnipeg Film Group (WFG) is an artist-run education, production, exhibition and distribution centre committed to promoting the art of the moving image. The WFG supports filmmakers, engages the community and expands the appreciation of independent cinema. It provides a platform for expression to a wide range of voices and approaches.
Video Pool Media Arts Centre (VP) is an arts organization dedicated to the exploration of technology-based art. It provides access to equipment and facilities for production, post-production and creative exploration through rentals, residencies, and training opportunities, as well as exhibitions, screenings, performances and the distribution of video art and new media.
The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) is the collective voice of Canada’s independent documentary creators. DOC’s national office leads on research and advocacy work that strengthens the ecosystem for documentary production. DOC chapters provide community support, professional development and networking opportunities.
OurToba Film Network is a community organization connecting, inspiring, promoting, and educating women, non-binary, and gender-diverse Manitobans in film. At its core, OurToba is a network built as a safe environment focused on respect, support, and privacy.
The Indigenous Filmmakers Association (IFA) is a non-profit collective group of Indigenous filmmakers working to grow the Indigenous film community in Winnipeg & Manitoba. IFA produces the Indigenous Film Summit, an annual conference aimed at emerging and professional indigenous directors, writers and producers.
The Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective is a dynamic collective of Indigenous filmmakers from Winnipeg, driven by a shared mission to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Through thought-provoking storytelling, their films challenge stereotypes and amplify Indigenous voices, bringing to life the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
