creative industries and new media sector

Key Industries

Creative Industries

Winnipeg is the Cultural Cradle of Canada, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene lauded by media and artists worldwide. The talent is as diverse as the architecture, which draws the creative class here. From bricks and beams, turn-of-the-century structures and neighbourhoods to modern design, the city consistently appeals and inspires skilled creative professionals including:

Architects and designers
Writers and performers
Artists and animators
Actors, skilled film crews and directors
Production companies and agencies

Winnipeg is a hotbed for studios engaged in new media, including digital imaging, animation and special effects, interactive games and audio/visual production.

Winnipeg attracts creative professionals and builds communities with our:

Business Friendly Immigration Policies
Competitive Tax Credit Programs
Growing and Talented Workforce
Diverse and Stable Economy

Education Programs

Sisler High School’s CREATE program offers students three main streams: Graphic Design, Interactive Digital Media, and Motion Picture Arts. By combining technical training from vocational and innovative educators with industry mentorship and internship opportunities, the CREATE program brings job-readiness into focus.
Red River College's new 2-year Game Design and Development program (launching in 2020/2021) combines 3D artists and game programmers in an innovative cross over curriculum allowing for both teams to work together on a fully realized video game. Both programs are designed to produce home grown talent.

Winnipeg Success Stories

Ubisoft Winnipeg

Ubisoft is a triple-A game studio known for its work on gamer favourites, Far Cry and Assassins Creed. Ubisoft prides itself on designing a workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity, which is why it chose to set up in the dense and highly connected Exchange District in the heart of the Winnipeg. Watch this testimonial here.

winnipeg.ubisoft.com

Cartel

Cartel is an LA based feature film & television production and management company with offices in Winnipeg representing top-tier show runners, show creators, writers, directors, producers, talent and production companies in film, TV and new media. They work closely with Hallmark, which has filmed more than 10 movies, using Winnipeg locations and talent.

cartelhq.com

Fast Facts

$1.6B

Total GDP MB
3,400+

Total Businesses, Winnipeg, CMA
20,600

Total number of workers, Winnipeg CMA
41%

of Manitoba production companies are owned by Women

Public Sector Support

Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit – Permanent program provides up to 65 per cent rebate on eligible Manitoba labour expenditures, or 38 per cent on all eligible Manitoba production costs including labour
Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit – Refundable tax credit up to 40 per cent on qualified labour, marketing and distribution
For more information, visit our tax credits page.

Key Network

City of Winnipeg Film Office

The Winnipeg Film Office provides expert support to film companies looking to bring productions to our city. The team has a comprehensive knowledge of the city’s extensive inventory of historic, contemporary, and natural locations and a close working relationship with all the key players you need to know, in government, local production companies, the film-related unions, professional associations, and training institutes.

winnipeg.ca

Manitoba Film and Music

Manitoba Film and Music supports Manitoba film and music through their objectives, which are to create, stimulate, employ and invest in Manitoba by developing and promoting Manitoba companies, producing and marketing film, television, video and music recording projects as well as to promote Manitoba as a film location for off-shore production companies.

mbfilmmusic.ca

New Media Manitoba

New Media Manitoba (NMM) is the industry association responsible for growth in the interactive digital media space. NMM is made up of over 100 companies whose innovative products and services include mobile apps, video games, augmented and virtual reality and more.

newmediamanitoba.com

On Screen Manitoba

On Screen Manitoba (OSM) leads, builds and represents the Manitoba media production industry. As a non-profit provincial industry association, the OSM membership includes individuals (producers, writers and directors), labour organizations, production companies, service suppliers, training organizations, film festivals and other stakeholders, representing some 2000 industry professionals.

onscreenmanitoba.com

Film Training Manitoba

Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program. FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and TV industry to identify the training needs within the community.

filmtraining.mb.ca

Manitoba Music

Manitoba Music is the hub of Manitoba’s vibrant music community. They are a member-based, not-for-profit industry association representing over 750 members in all facets of the music industry, including artists and bands, studios, agents, managers, songwriters, venues, promoters, producers, and beyond. Through their programs and services, they provide information, education, communication, advocacy, industry development, and networking opportunities to nurture, develop and promote the growth and sustainability of the Manitoba music industry.

manitobamusic.com

National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

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

nsi-canada.ca