ScreenSask: Fresh Identity, Established Legacy

Creative Saskatchewan funds seven industry associations, helping them achieve their mandates to support Saskatchewan’s creative small businesses and creative producers, and helping build extraordinary businesses. We have been providing core operating funds in addition to programming dollars for ScreenSask since 2013.

Established in 1986, ScreenSask, formerly known as Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA), recently underwent a rebrand. ScreenSask is an association of filmmakers, crew, producers, suppliers and stakeholders who work in Saskatchewan’s film industry.

“ScreenSask exists to create community, build capacity and help grow businesses and jobs in Saskatchewan’s film industry.” says Robert Hardy, Executive Director at ScreenSask, “We’re thrilled to partner with Creative Saskatchewan in so many ways, on so many levels, to do that. We encourage anyone who wants to help us to join ScreenSask, and be part of the team.”

ScreenSask aims to facilitate interaction between people working in the film industry, and to help to create an environment that provides opportunities for the promotion and appreciation of media production in Saskatchewan.

Membership with ScreenSask comes in a variety of options, each providing unique benefits tailored to different needs. Members gain a voice in the organization through participation in committees and annual general meetings. They receive access to industry publications, discounted rates on workshops, conferences, insurance, and eligibility for training programs and funding opportunities. Additionally, members can share their news through ScreenSask’s media channels and have their profiles featured in the online industry directory.

Other services offered by ScreenSask include professional development and training, discussion forums, and decision-making and advocating for changes in public policy in the interests of the film and television production industry.

Creative Saskatchewan proudly sponsors many of ScreenSask’s programs, including their recent Meet the Buyer and Producer Series of webinars, which provide invaluable inside information on navigating the industry.

When it comes to funding productions—that’s where we come in! Creative Saskatchewan’s role is to help clients navigate the grant application process from start to finish, review applications for eligibility, ensure applications are vetted by industry professionals, and invest in projects with economic potential. Creative Saskatchewan offers several grants related to Film & TV:

The Feature Film & Television Production Grant provides financial support to eligible applicants for feature film and television productions that have secured a relevant market trigger or distribution agreement of fair market value.

The Film and Television Development Grant assists qualified Saskatchewan production companies with undertaking the development of eligible projects and bringing productions to fruition. This program has three streams, the First Draft Stream,the Final Draft Stream, and the Slate Development Stream.

The Filmmaker’s Grant supports emerging Saskatchewan filmmakers with mentorship and production funds to produce content under 10 minutes intended to build the filmmakers’ professional portfolio.

The Showcase or Sell Travel Grant helps cover the costs of travel expenses to specific market opportunities.

Filmmakers are also eligible to apply for our Marketing Grant.

As the official film commission for the province, Creative Saskatchewan also offers a wide range of services to producers considering a partnership with Saskatchewan:

• Locations gallery and Saskatchewan Look Book
• John Hopkins Regina Soundstage and production offices
• Production Directory
• Film permitting information
• Locations scouting services
• And more!

Creative Saskatchewan is proud to contribute to the screen industry in Saskatchewan by supporting ScreenSask in their efforts to build a favourable economic and creative climate, cultivate a positive image of the industry, and represent all personnel from beginners to veteran professionals. ScreenSask’s unwavering support for the film industry in Saskatchewan is instrumental in building a thriving and sustainable creative sector.

To learn more about ScreenSask, visit their website https://smpia.sk.ca/

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