Megan Folden

Carey Shaw was a successful grant recipient of a Filmmaker’s Grant that paired musicians with aspiring filmmakers to shoot their first music video.

Award-winning artist Carey Shaw has been creating images for over 20 years. But it wasn’t until a unique grant opportunity from Creative Saskatchewan – one that helped emerging filmmakers produce music videos for local artists – that she stepped into the role of filmmaker.

This grant offered the opportunity to take on something new and do it right. “The funding from Creative Saskatchewan encouraged me to finally take this kind of project on,” Shaw stated. “The positive feedback I have been given has encouraged me to continue working in these roles, and the experience and confidence I gained will help build my career further.”

Shaw, who acted as producer, director, cinematographer and editor on the project, worked with Saskatoon band, The Garrys, to produce a music video for their song “Cakewalk.” The shoot took place in Saskatoon and everyone working on the project was a local resident. “I made sure the majority of the grant went to paying the crew,” Shaw said. “We had the funds to hire people to do hair and makeup and wardrobe and rent the equipment we needed. We couldn’t have done the same video without these funds.”

Applying for grants can be intimidating, but Shaw encourages any creative to go through the process anyway. Shaw, like most artists, has not received every grant she has applied for, but she still finds the application process beneficial. “Even if you don’t get funding, you really get to put your ideas and thoughts together. You end up with a really strong idea of what you want to create.”

In addition to providing Shaw with valuable, career-enhancing experience as a filmmaker, this grant also helped further the careers of the local support crew. And the finished project is currently racking up views and positive reviews on The Garrys YouTube channel.

Creative Saskatchewan sponsored Style Dayne’s participation in the Whistler Film Festival’s 2024 Producers Lab.

Style Dayne grew up on a cattle ranch in Southern Saskatchewan. More recently, he was threatened by Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool character in the hit Marvel movie.

Dayne got his start on Incredible Stories Studio in Regina. Growing up, he always dreamed of a career in the film and television industry. In 2010, he moved to Vancouver to make that dream a reality. But after working as an actor on feature films and television shows for a number of years, he began to wonder what it would be like to be on the other side of the table. Dayne wanted to have conversations about stories that mattered and meant something to him.

After starting his new path as a producer, Dayne moved back home to Saskatchewan in 2020. The time was right to come home. “The stars aligned,” he says, “I was able to stay and work here in Saskatchewan with the new Creative Saskatchewan funding.”

Dayne has been working on a few shows as a producer and was honoured to be one of six individuals across Canada to be invited to participate in the Whistler Film Festival’s 2024 Producers Lab. The Producers Lab is geared towards producers who are at a professional tipping point. The eight months of in-depth mentorship participants receive helps set them up for a long, successful career.

Through the program, Dayne is working on a feature film called Pay Day. Dayne describes the film as “a comedy about two people who decide to have a child together who definitely should not be having a child together.” Though he’s learning lots and gaining incredible experience and industry connections, the highlight so far for Dayne has been getting to work with CBC’s Executive in Charge of Production, Comedy, Kathleen Meek one-on-one.

There is a lot of momentum behind Dayne right now. Looking back, he is proud of how he’s gone from a Southern Saskatchewan cattle ranch to where he is today. “Dream big and have big aspirations,” he says. “There are people out there who want to support you. Reach out to Creative Saskatchewan.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Regina, Saskatchewan
May 28, 2024

Regina’s LED Volume Wall Sets the Stage for Hostile Takeover: A Virtual Production Breakthrough

Regina, May 28, 2024 — Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross joined Creative Saskatchewan alongside producers, crew and media on the set of Hostile Takeover, Regina’s first groundbreaking virtual production. This action-thriller, starring American actor and martial artist Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite, The Dark Knight) and Saskatoon-raised Aimee Stolte (Escape the Night, Megalodon), with stunt direction from Markos Rounthwaite (The Borne Ultimatum, Zombieland: Double Tap, Casino Royale), promises to captivate audiences with its unique approach.

Hostile Takeover is pushing boundaries by filming entirely on Volume Global’s state-of-the-art LED Wall and Ecosystem. The John Hopkins Regina Soundstage houses the LED Volume Wall, a digital canvas that allows filmmakers to create limitless settings.

“Saskatchewan’s commitment to growth and innovation is evident in projects like Hostile Takeover,” said Laura Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. “We’re proud to be part of this exciting journey and the thriving film industry here in Saskatchewan.”

Creative Saskatchewan’s substantial investment of over $3.3 million into Hostile Takeover will generate positive economic spin-offs for the province, to the tune of approximately $14 million. With over 140 new jobs anticipated, this production contributes significantly to Saskatchewan’s economy and growth of the film sector.

The LED Volume Wall, unveiled in March 2024, is a testament to Saskatchewan’s potential in film and TV production. Volume Global and local production company Karma Film collaborated to bring this cutting-edge technology to the heart of the Queen City.

“Increased funding through the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant has fueled the province’s film industry over the past two years,” Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean said. “Hostile Takeover exemplifies this growth. We’re very proud of the work coming out of Saskatchewan.”

“The LED Volume Wall revolutionizes our ability to tell stories,” Karma Film CEO Anand Ramayya said. “It’s a game-changer for filmmakers, allowing us to create immersive worlds without leaving the studio.”

Hostile Takeover is produced and financed by Volume Global, Automatic Entertainment, Dovetale Media, Fun Republic Pictures and Karma Film with the support of Creative Saskatchewan.

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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.

For more information please contact:

Jamie Gibson, Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport
Phone: (306) 527-8152 | Jamie.gibson2@gov.sk.ca

Megan Folden, Creative Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 798-2191 | megan.folden@creativesask.ca

Anand Ramayya, Karma Film
O: (306) 221-8664 | anand@karmafim.ca

Amy Prenner, Volume Global publicity
O: (310) 709-1101 | amy@theprennergroup.com

Raj Padmanabh is a recent grant recipient of Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film & TV Production Grant for his show Titus Puppet Vengeance.

You’ve never seen Shakespeare like this before.

Titus Puppet Vengeance, a screenplay produced by Raj Padmanabh, is a visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s first and most violent tragedy, Titus Andronicus, performed with tabletop puppets.

Rather than a traditional stage performance, Padmanabh’s feature drama re-tells the revenge story of Titus Andronicus with a mix of real-world and created locations while showcasing the dynamic abilities of puppets on film.

Padmanabh had wanted to partner with Wide Open Theatre, and make use of their beautiful, unique puppets and skills, for a long time. The stars finally aligned with Titus Puppet Vengeance and an incredible production has come from it.

The unique film is already garnering attention.

Titus Puppet Vengeance has been accepted by The Art of Movie Making Film Fest in New York and recently won Best Thriller at the Toronto Film and Script Awards. Padmanabh’s eyes are set on a streaming or distribution deal as well, noting how the Shakespearean aspect of his film makes it an attractive piece.

Producing the film employed a number of people in Saskatchewan, including performers and actors. The production and post-production were all done here in the province as well. Padmanabh points out that, “98% all of the grant money we received from Creative Saskatchewan stayed here in the province,”

As this was Padmanabh’s first time leading the charge as a producer, there was a bit of a learning curve in applying for financing. But with the help of Creative Saskatchewan’s staff, it all went smoothly. “They were excellent,” states Padmanabh. “Very helpful and easy to work with. The reason we have a successful show is because we had a great all-Saskatchewan team with excellent attitudes and talent, and the support of Creative Saskatchewan.”

Since it’s release, Titus Puppet Vengeance has received the following awards and nominations: