Creative Sask announces 1st major production to be filmed in SK in 2022: King of Killers: the series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Regina, Saskatchewan

August 19, 2022 Creative Saskatchewan announces first major production to be filmed in Saskatchewan in 2022: King of Killers: the series

Creative Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that King of Killers: the series, an action thriller series, will be shot entirely in Saskatchewan starting in September, with an estimated spend of over $20,000,000 on local labour, goods, and services. This is the first big-budget production resulting from the increased investment to film and television announced by the Government of Saskatchewan on budget day. Support for this production is provided through Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and Television Production Grant.

“A production of this size announces to the world that Saskatchewan is open for business,” says Erin Dean, CEO of Creative Saskatchewan, “this kind of activity raises the profile of our film and television production industry, which will go a long way in attracting future projects.” The series is based on a feature film to be released in 2023 under the same name, and tells the story of a group of top international assassins who are competing for a $10M purse and the coveted title of “King of Killers” the most dangerous killer in the world.

King of Killers: the series will utilize the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage for at least one year, estimating 90 production days and 120 post-production days in Saskatchewan. “We anticipate hiring over 100 crew members and 18 performers from Saskatchewan,” says Anand Ramayya, Producer with Saskatchewan-

based Karma Film Inc. Ramayya and Kelly Balon are Executive Producers and in a co-production with Manitoba-based Executive Producer Juliette Hagopian of Julijette Inc. on the series Developed and Executive Produced by Christopher Rush Harrington and Michael Hamilton Wright from Dovetale Media. Distribution is being handled by Roman Kopelevich and Roman Viaris of Red Sea Media.

This translates to more than $5M in Saskatchewan labour expenditures. The accelerated labour force development for Saskatchewan crew as a result of the sizable production schedule presents an opportunity for future seasons of the show, as well as to rent/hire for other productions in the future. “The economic spin-off from a project of this caliber is substantial, especially for the hospitality sector and service industries” says Dean.

King of Killers: the series is also utilizing cutting-edge technology with a massive, custom-built LED wall; a large screen that displays digital content for an impressive virtual environment for production. “Virtual walls and studio space are not widely available,” says Ramayya, “having one in Saskatchewan makes use of our unique infrastructure and puts us on the map with a competitive edge that is sure to attract more production in the province.”

“We are thrilled to bring the very first VOLUME to the Province and determined to help create sustainable careers for film professionals originally from and living in the province.” Says Christopher Harrington, Principal and Co-CEO of Volume Global LLC.

The wall alone will provide new, full-time employment opportunities for up to 20 people to operate and maintain. The producers intend to make the virtual wall available for rent by other production companies. nn-30-

About Creative Saskatchewan

Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries. Creative Saskatchewan unlocks the potential of the creative industries and fuels the economic engine of homegrown talent, converting creativity into cashflow. The agency’s investments propel creative entrepreneurs as they create, perform, innovate, and export in their pursuit of commercial success.

Creative Saskatchewan funds seven industry associations, amplifying their members’ skills, and helping them build extraordinary careers.

For more information or to provide commentary, please contact:

Erin Dean, CEO, Creative Saskatchewan

C: (306) 530-4031 | erin.dean@creativesask.ca | creativesask.ca