Megan Folden

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:

Adrian Halter is a successful grant recipient of our Feature Film & TV Production Grant for his TV documentary, Blind Trust.

Guide dogs have a profound impact on the lives of their handlers. But the journey from puppy to guide dog doesn’t happen overnight.

Blind Trust, a six-episode documentary series by Adrian Halter, is a heartwarming and insightful series that explores the extraordinary partnership between guide dogs and their handlers. Delving into the unique bond formed between these remarkable animals and their human companions, Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey, showcases the training process at CNIB Guide Dogs and the life-changing impact that these incredible dogs have on their handlers.

With the help of a Feature Film & TV Production Grant, Blind Trust has become a marked success. The show has brought a lot of newfound attention to the CNIB guide dog program and the time and hard work it takes to turn a puppy into a guide dog.

All six episodes of Blind Trust can be streamed on Accessible Media Inc.’s AMI+ platform.

Shooting in multiple locations throughout Saskatchewan for Blind Trust and other productions, Halter and his crew have experienced the wide variety of landscapes available in the province. “There is a lot to see here that people don’t realize,” Halter points out. “The boreal forest up north, the incredible cityscapes and rivers in Saskatoon. The lakes and rolling hills. There’s a ton of variety. And, of course, the soundstage in Regina provides a lot of opportunities for production companies.”

Grateful for all the help he and his team received along the way, Halter notes, “The show would not have happened without Creative Saskatchewan. It’s crucial that they exist.”

Not only does the Feature Film & TV Production Grant help Halter bring shows like Blind Trust to life, but it also makes a big difference in the province. “We’re making a real impact. Employing people who live here and buy houses here and shop here and put their kids in sports here. We couldn’t operate here the same way if it weren’t for the funds available through Creative Saskatchewan.”