Megan Folden

Use of Letter of Commitment for Tax Purposes

February 14, 2025 by Megan Folden

To streamline the income verification process, improve security, and ensure compliance with tax regulations, grant recipients that received $500+ from Creative Saskatchewan are to utilize their Letter of Commitment (LOC) with Creative Saskatchewan as a means of income verification for the 2024 tax year.

You may provide your LOC to your tax preparer as support for income earned. If you prepare your own taxes, enter the amount into “other income”. This approach not only enhances transparency but also assists you in meeting your tax reporting obligations.

LOCs comprehensively outline the terms and conditions of the grant, including the awarded amount and the designated purpose of the grant.

Utilizing a written agreement will provide both parties with a clear understanding of their respective rights and responsibilities, facilitating a smoother and more efficient tax reporting process.

LOCs can be obtained by logging into your profile in our Grant Management System (GMS).

If your grant is still open, your application will appear under “Active Applications”.
If your grant is completed and final reporting is approved/complete, your application will appear under “Archived Applications”
In your application, the Letter of Commitment is available for download under the “Results” tab.

Please note that if your second payment was adjusted or you did not receive the full amount during the calendar year, you should only include the funds you actually received during the year. Any future funds secured would be counted towards your 2025 tax return.

We truly value your ongoing partnership and express our sincere gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the arts community. Thank you for being an integral part of our shared commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment.

Participants announced for Saskatchewan producers program

January 27, 2025 by Megan Folden

The National Screen Institute, in partnership with Creative Saskatchewan, announce nine participants selected for NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition.

This region-specific training initiative is designed to support mid-career Saskatchewan-based producers in taking their careers to the next level.

Through six weeks of online training starting this week, participants will engage in roundtables, interactive group discussions, peer reviews and presentations. In line with previous editions of NSI Business for Producers, the Saskatchewan Edition will conclude with participants pitching their projects to a panel of industry professionals.

Participants will advance their careers by building strong business networks and gaining essential insight into creating and managing interprovincial co-productions.

“We’re incredibly proud of the individuals who have been accepted into this great program,” said Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean. “The masterclasses that they’re about to embark on are of the highest quality here in Canada, and I can’t wait to see their progress in the coming months.”

The nine participants are:

Allan Roeher (Regina, SK)
Allia Janzen (Saskatoon, SK)
Douglas Luciuk (Saskatoon, SK)
Judith Silverthorne (Regina, SK)
Kelly-Anne Riess (Regina, SK)
Kyle Burgess (Saskatoon, SK)
Mari Climenhaga (Regina, SK)
Marzia Kamyabi (Regina, SK)
Style Dayne Stenberg (Regina, SK)

Join the Creative Saskatchewan Board of Directors

January 14, 2025 by Megan Folden

Call for Industry Professionals: Join the Creative Saskatchewan Board of Directors

Do you have a passion for fostering a thriving creative industry ecosystem in Saskatchewan? Creative Saskatchewan is seeking dedicated and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors. Your expertise can help shape the future of Saskatchewan’s creative exports landscape.

About Creative Saskatchewan

Creative Saskatchewan is dedicated to the growth and sustainability of the province’s creative industries. We support a wide range of sectors, including film, music, publishing, and visual arts and more, by providing funding, training, and resources to help creative entrepreneurs succeed.

Board of Directors

The Creative Saskatchewan Board of Directors plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our province’s creative industries. Comprising no more than 11 Directors, half of the Board is appointed by the Minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport, and the other half are recommended to our agency by our Nominations Committee. Our Board is a governance board and holds statutory power and obligations granted by The Creative Saskatchewan Act and The Creative Saskatchewan Regulations.

Role and Responsibilities: As a member of the Board of Directors, you will:

Provide strategic financial oversight and guidance.
Assist in the development and implementation of policy.
Ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability.
Collaborate with other board members to support Creative Saskatchewan’s mission and goals.
Advocate for Saskatchewan’s creative industries.

Qualifications and Expectations

We invite individuals who meet the following criteria to consider joining our Board:

Experience: Demonstrated leadership and expertise in business, arts, culture, or related fields.
Commitment: Willingness to actively participate in quarterly Board meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes. Meetings are offered in a hybrid format of virtual and in-person, with most meetings taking place virtually.
Advocacy: Passion for advancing the interests of Saskatchewan’s creative industries and supporting local talent and exports.
Diversity: A commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the creative sector.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Previous board experience is an asset but not required.

Please note that Board Members are offered honorariums per meeting ($110 for Board Members and $155 for the Board Chair). If travel is required, per diems and mileage are also provided.

Join Us in Shaping Saskatchewan’s Creative Exports Landscape

By serving on the Creative Saskatchewan Board of Directors, you’ll play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving creative industry ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to network with other professionals and leaders in the creative industries, in both public and private sectors. Together, we amplify Saskatchewan success stories and drive economic prosperity.

Commitment to Inclusivity

Creative Saskatchewan is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment. We believe that a variety of perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to support the creative community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. More information about our commitment is available in our Diversity Statement here.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to submit your nomination. Please send a brief letter of interest, along with your resume, to our Board Chair Kama Leier at chair@creativesask.ca. There is no set deadline to express interest.

“As a member of the Creative Saskatchewan board, I’ve experienced firsthand the positive changes we can bring to the arts and cultural sectors. This position is a platform for advocacy and action, ideal for anyone committed to fostering inclusion and innovation in our industries.” – Chris Triffo, Board Member

“It is my honour and privilege to serve Creative Saskatchewan as a member of its Board of Directors. This is a diverse, well-governed, engaged and respectful Board, with a meaningful relationship with the CEO and its staff toward meeting the mandate of a strong, economically viable and vibrant creative industry. Board members are supported and encouraged in professional development, as they are in sharing respective perspectives toward best outcomes for the entrepreneurial creative industries.” – Silvia Martini, Board Member

Call for applications: NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition

September 26, 2024 by Megan Folden

The National Screen Institute, in partnership with Creative Saskatchewan, is now accepting applications for NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition.

This six-week, part-time online training program is designed to support Saskatchewan-based content creators in advancing their producing careers.

Up to 10 producers will be selected for this opportunity to work on essential producing skills including the creation of a pitch package for a project currently in development, budgets and financing, interprovincial coproduction, distribution and festival strategy.

Learn more about the program and apply by December 2 at 5 p.m. CT

“Creative Saskatchewan is proud to be partnering with the National Screen Institute to bring NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition to producers in our province,” said Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean. “There is so much talent here and this program will provide the training and experience to help them level up. I’m looking forward to watching the participants’ progress.”

Participants will engage in up to 15 online training sessions featuring a mix of interactive group discussions, round tables, peer reviews, presentations and masterclasses. The curriculum is tailored to meet their specific needs and skills gaps. Participants will also benefit from instruction, mentorship and insight from national industry professionals, advisors and business experts.

The program runs from January to February 2025 and includes a final online forum where participants will pitch their projects to a panel of industry professionals.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be screen-based content creators residing in Saskatchewan
Have a project currently in development
Demonstrate experience in production, business affairs or related fields

“We are excited to bring back the Business for Producers program for another edition,” said National Screen Institute executive director Christine Kleckner. “I began my film career in Saskatchewan, so I am especially pleased that we are offering this opportunity to local producers to further develop the skills they need to grow their production companies.”

This program will be expertly led by program manager Jessica Gibson and program advisor Jeff Stecyk.

• • •

NSI Business for Producers – Saskatchewan Edition is funded by Presenting Partner Creative Saskatchewan; Provincial Partner Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

• • •

About Creative Saskatchewan

Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries and the official film commission for the province. The agency’s investments propel creative entrepreneurs as they create, perform, innovate and export in their pursuit of commercial success.

About SMPIA

SMPIA is a provincial, member-based non-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Established in 1986, SMPIA represents all personnel related to the making and exhibiting of media productions from beginners to veteran professionals. SMPIA’s job is to be a catalyst for change, to facilitate interaction between people working in these media, and to help to create an environment that provides opportunities for the production, promotion and appreciation of media production in Saskatchewan.

About National Screen Institute

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film and television, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

Further enquiries

Media enquiries: Abiola Agbayewa, abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca

Celebrating Saskatchewan’s Film Industry: 13 More Productions Unveiled, Government Investment for Kramer Imax Theatre Announced

September 9, 2024 by Megan Folden

Released on September 9, 2024

Today, Creative Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan hosted a screening event at the Kramer IMAX Theater in Regina to preview trailers and behind-the-scenes clips from 13 productions recently filmed in the province.

The showreel featured films from the 2023-24 fiscal year which are either released and available for viewing or in the final stages before release.

“Our government is proud to invest $12 million annually to support productions like these, filmed in locations throughout our province, in urban centres as large as Saskatoon to smaller rural communities such as Prud’Homme,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “The industry is growing in Saskatchewan, and the films screened today demonstrate both the variety of productions and the versatility of our province as a filming destination.”

Since April 2023, approximately $22 million has been committed to 36 productions through the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant. These productions are estimated to produce a Saskatchewan spend of over $55 million generating an approximate economic output of $93 million and support more than 900 jobs.

“Creative Saskatchewan supports a wide range of project sizes, from modest budgets to multi-million-dollar productions, including animation, documentaries and feature films” Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean said. “All of these projects have utilized our Feature Film and TV Production Grant, which incentivizes spending within Saskatchewan, and is only possible thanks to the investment from the Government of Saskatchewan.”

As part of the event, the province announced it is investing $500,000 to assist the Saskatchewan Science Centre with the purchase of the IMAX GT dual laser digital projection system. This new digital laser projection system will allow the Science Centre to continue to offer high-quality IMAX and giant screen educational documentary films well into the future, as well as full-length feature films, enhancing visitors’ viewing experiences and allowing the Science Centre to continue its role as a major community attraction and cementing its position as one of the few giant screen theatres in Canada.

In addition, Creative Saskatchewan will have access to the Kramer IMAX Theatre and the projection system to host production screenings.

Featured productions and where to watch them:

Why Am I – Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

Staying Wild – Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

Flat Out Food – Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

Guardians of the North – Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

Red River Gold – Coming soon to APTN!

Chums Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

Welcome to Kittytown – Saskatchewan movie theatres

Sideways – Coming soon!

Treaty Road | APTN

Stories of the North – Citytv | Watch Full TV Episodes Online & See TV Schedule

For Country: First In Last Out – Coming soon!

Gifts of Christmas – Coming soon!

We Kill Them All – Coming soon!

About Creative Saskatchewan

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Gibson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-527-8152
Email: jamie.gibson2@gov.sk.ca

Megan Folden
Creative Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-529-7377
Email: megan.folden@creativesask.ca

Theatre in the Park Visits More Communities Than Ever With Tour Support Grant

August 27, 2024 by Megan Folden

Mackenzie Dawson was a successful grant recipient of our Tour Support Grant for his project: Theatre in the Park 2023 Provincial Tour.

Mackenzie Dawson and Sum Theatre take a different approach to being paid for their work.

Mackenzie Dawson

For over a decade, Sum Theatre has created and produced Theatre in the Park. Instead of charging for admission through tickets, though, the team works closely with community associations, municipalities, and businesses to earn revenue through show sponsorships. For many audience members, especially children, Theatre in the Park is their first experience with theatre.

“Our show is our product, but instead of selling it to individuals we sell it to our sponsors and partners,” Dawson says. “Sponsorship income and partner presentation fees cover the expenses of the show and give us unrestricted revenue we can use to grow other aspects of our business.”

Prior to setting out on tour, Sum Theatre meets with every community association and municipality in which they’d like to host a show. The staff meets with potential local business and corporate sponsors seeking the unique opportunity to serve their community and sponsor a show. Then, through posters, flyers, social media, and media relations, Sum Theatre secures a large audience for each show.

With the help of a Creative Saskatchewan Tour Support Grant, Dawson and Sum Theatre connect with 38 communities province-wide, including Northern Saskatchewan.

Sum Theatre travelled to more communities than ever in 2023. In doing so, they made professional live theatre free and accessible to the people of Saskatchewan, regardless of age, culture, or socio-economic status, while also bringing in revenue and growing their business.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to inspire audiences of all ages,” says Dawson.