Movie studio headed to Headingley

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This article was published 20/12/2021 (1392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The R.M. of Headingley has received  provincial approval of a zoning variance which will allow the Hudson Media Group to construct a movie studio west of Camp Manitou Road.

“It’s quite an interesting project,” said Chris Fulsher, chief administrative officer of the R.M. of Headingley.

The 16-hectare parcel of land has been re-zoned from neighbourhood to business is about 40 acres in size. Fulsher said the studio will consist of three sound stages and production facilities and will use all the latest technology.

Hudson Media Group is owned by Melissa Elias, a Winnipeg-raised actress who has appeared in several Hallmark movies. She did not respond to requests for an interview.

“The film industry is one that brings a lot of jobs,” Fulsher said.

Not only will a new local studio provide jobs for Manitobans, the money that’s spent on a film typically stays local, Fulsher said.

“I think that’s why Manitoba has given such a generous tax credit for these kinds of productions,” Fulsher said.

He added that construction is still going to take time.

“There’s a lot of planning issues that have to be resolved,” Fulsher said. “And there’s design stuff that has to be completed before they would ever be in a position to start construction.”

The development plan for the studio includes “media studios, offices, research and development and other related media, business and technological activities, accommodation and other related minor commercial in a campus-like setting”.

The plan also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development by using “green energy and green design elements such as water and energy conservation”.

Fulsher said Hudson Media Group Inc. is hoping construction will begin in 2022.

Elias said she is unable to comment until mid-January.