New TV series is first new project to get grant from Creative Saskatchewan

Cameras are set to roll on the first major project to receive funding under the revamped Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program.

On Friday, Creative Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan announced ‘King of Killers: the series’ is to begin filming this fall at the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage.

In 2012, the Saskatchewan government slashed its film tax credit, virtually decimating the film and television industry in the province.

But in the budget released in March of this year, the government announced an $8-million increase to the Creative Saskatchewan film production grant, hiking it from $2 million to $10 million.

The ‘King of Killers’ project is to receive more than $8 million, which surpasses the current funding threshold of $5 million for projects. According to the government, projects can exceed the threshold “if it means securing a project with significant impact to the local economy.”

The series, which is based on an upcoming feature film of the same name, tells the story of a group of international assassins who are contracted to take out the world’s most dangerous killer.

“Saskatchewan has the talent and skills that the world needs right now to meet the global demand for content, and this exciting news demonstrates our ability to attract large-scale productions,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a media release.

“The positive benefits of projects this size are numerous and far-reaching. Industries such as retail, hospitality and the trades will get a boost, and job opportunities for local designers, costumers, performers, and writers will strengthen Saskatchewan’s creative sector.”

During a media event Friday, Ross said the new grant program was “way better” than the film tax credit was.

“All of the money that is going to be invested is going to stay right here. It isn’t going to leech out of the province,” said Ross, calling the program “a whole new way of financing.”

According to a media release from Creative Saskatchewan, the series is to be shot entirely in the province, with filming to begin in September. More than $20 million is to be spent on labour, goods and services.

The show will require 90 days of production and 120 days of post-production, all of which are to be done in the province. The production will hire 100 crew members and 18 actors from Saskatchewan.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support productions like these that cast a wide net in terms of positive economic-ripple effects to our province,” Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean said in the government’s release.

“With an estimated spend of over $20 million on local labour, goods, and services, this boost of activity in our film and television sector puts us on the map and strengthens our industry for future opportunities.”