Film industry leaders still optimistic after production grant takes cut in provincial budget

WATCH: The province reduced Saskatchewan’s film grant by $2 million, for a total of $12 million annually. Mick Favel has more on the reaction.

After three years of increases, the Government of Saskatchewan has cut spending impacting the province’s film industry.

With the release of the 2025 budget, the Feature Film & Television Production Grant for Creative Saskatchewan dropped by $2 million for a total of $10 million annually.

Robert Hardy is the executive director of Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). He said those in the Sask. film industry are not happy with the budget cut, but understand the unique economic situation the province is in.

“We were hoping to see the dollars stay the same. That said, we don’t see this being as dire as it might look on paper,” he said.

“We believe the government is still supportive of the industry in Saskatchewan,” he added.

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Minister of Parks, Culture & Sport Alana Ross said the funding cut is related to being fiscally responsible as the province navigates outside tariffs, but said the province does support the film industry.

“Four year years ago, our investment has increased to this point by 400 per cent which is significant. We are proud to continue investing,” she said.

Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency who funds seven industry associations in the province.

In a statement, the organization said they understand the government’s cautious approach.

“Creative Saskatchewan’s production budget remains five times higher than three years ago. We will continue to work with the sector to help the Saskatchewan film industry grow,” the statement read.

Despite the budget cuts, Hardy is enthusiastic about the film industry production this coming summer.

“The truth is we are going to have the busiest production year we have ever had,” he said.

Also within the budget was a $300,000 investment for the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage which us intended to support the making of the films.