November 7, 2022
Manitoba Government Invests $1.5 Million to Support First-Of-Its-Kind Virtual Production Training Studio in Winnipeg
– – –Project Will Create Jobs, Establish Manitoba as Industry Leader: Cullen
As part of the Manitoba government’s effort to make the province more competitive and spur economic growth, a $1.5-million investment is being made in the development of StudioLab XR, a 5,000-sq.-ft. virtual production training studio in Winnipeg, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“Our government is proud to make strategic investments to continue supporting the growth of the interactive digital media and film industries, which are among the fastest growing sectors of the provincial economy,” said Cullen. “This project will create good paying jobs, establish Manitoba as an industry leader in Canada, and attract new domestic and international productions to the province.”
The Manitoba government is entering into a three-year contribution agreement with New Media Manitoba (NMM) to provide nearly $1.5 million for the studio to support operating costs, capital purchases, courseware and other learning support, Cullen noted.
Developing StudioLab XR will ensure Manitoba remains competitive in the interactive digital media and film sectors by creating technical jobs, providing specialized training and addressing labour market shortages, said Cullen.
Located in 201 Portage, StudioLab XR will be a first-of-its-kind training facility on the Prairies. It will include production space and a classroom featuring industry-leading technologies and expertise. The minister noted virtual production, which seamlessly combines physical and virtual elements using a suite of software tools, is changing the way content is being produced.
“Manitoba’s interactive digital media sector continues to push the boundaries of innovation and is growing exponentially, and New Media Manitoba is excited to launch StudioLab XR, the province’s first facility dedicated to providing extended reality technology,” said Louie Ghiz, executive director, NMM. “This project is a testament to our belief in the incredible things they will produce with cutting-edge tools and industry-leading training. The future opportunities created by this studio will result in hundreds of new content creation jobs and we are thrilled to be training Manitobans for the techno-creative careers of the future.”
The virtual production training studio will support economic recovery and growth in Manitoba’s interactive digital media and film industries, the minister noted, adding it is expected to create 100 net new indirect jobs, provide industry training to over 250 individuals and generate an estimated $3.1 million in revenue over the three-year project.
“The development of a virtual production studio aligns with our government’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy and reflects our commitment to partnering with post-secondary institutions and industry to address labour market needs,” said Cullen.
For more information on NMM, visit https://newmediamanitoba.com/.
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