Stepping onto a Saskatchewan Film Set
Stepping onto a film set in Regina’s Warehouse District, it’s easy to forget I’m in Saskatchewan. The apartment we’re filming in looks like it could be straight out of New York City – with exposed brick, wooden beams, and an airy, stylish feel. Yet here I am, surrounded by local cast and crew, cameras, lights, and all the energy of a major production.
Thanks to Creative Saskatchewan, the economic development agency of Saskatchewan’s creative industries and the official film commission for the province, I’ve had the chance to visit two very different productions over the past year. One was a psychological thriller called The Wrath, the other a commercial shoot at the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage, a state-of-the-art indoor filming space.
Before these visits, I don’t think I truly understood how many layers exist behind every production. When we watch a finished film or TV episode, we see minutes on screen. Yet those moments represent hundreds of decisions, jobs, and moving pieces. I watched electricians, carpenters, set decorators, writers, camera operators, makeup artists, and producers all working in sync like a well-rehearsed orchestra. It struck me that filmmaking isn’t just a creative pursuit. It’s a highly technical, deeply collaborative industry fuelled by expertise we often never see.
Two Saskatchewan Film Productions, Two Experiences
On The Wrath set, Saskatchewan cast and crew worked in perfect rhythm with one another. Hair and makeup touched up actors between takes, cameramen swapped lenses, and the director reviewed shots on a portable screen.
I spoke with Jessica Watch, Vice President of Trilight Entertainment, the production company behind the film. She shared how they’ve filmed all over the province. From Regina and Elk Ridge, to Buena Vista and Maple Creek, they’ve captured the diversity of Saskatchewan’s landscapes.
“Without Creative Saskatchewan, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing this. It’s helped many other producers as well… everyone’s able to get funding and make this happen,” she told me.
This kind of support is exactly what Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and TV Production Grant provides. Since its launch in 2022, over 70 productions have been approved and $6 million in grants have been issued. The total economic impact already exceeds $21 million.
The John Hopkins Regina Soundstage: A State-of-the-Art Hub
Visiting the Soundstage was a completely different experience. It’s a state-of-the-art indoor filming space with three soundproof stages, 42-foot ceilings, and equipment to bring any scene to life. Watching a commercial shoot with a robotic camera arm moving perfectly in sync with the actors was fascinating. The scale and precision reminded me that Saskatchewan isn’t just a backdrop for film, it’s a capable, professional filmmaking centre.
Megan Folden, Director of Communications at Creative Saskatchewan, explained how the province’s approach is both practical and flexible.
“We have one of the fastest turnaround times in North America. Approximately four weeks from applying to finding out what you’re getting and getting the ball rolling… We don’t fund ideas and dreams alone. We fund real business opportunities.”
That spending ripples across communities in hotels, restaurants, rentals, and even props acquired.
Saskatchewan Film Tourism and Local Economic Impact
Some productions, like Die Alone, filmed in the Qu’Appelle Valley, demonstrate the program’s wider impact. With $2.1 million in Creative Saskatchewan funding and a $7 million total economic output, the production employed 119 Saskatchewan crew and brought money into the surrounding communities. Others, like A Cowboy Christmas, which kept the local town name Maple Creek in the film, has also drawn in visitors long after filming wrapped. This proves that film tourism is an unexpected but powerful benefit of local production.
It’s not just about the money, though. What struck me most during these visits was the skill, care, and pride of Saskatchewan’s crews.
Behind the Scenes of Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh
On Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh, a TV series I co-starred in as Ron’s sighted guide, we showcased Saskatchewan’s parks, trails, and communities to a national audience. The show follows Ron, a 64-year-old adventurer who is completely blind, as he takes on outdoor challenges ranging from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to sailing and dog sledding.
WATCH MORE: Season 2 of Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh
Throughout filming, we braved frigid winter temperatures, thunderstorms, and remote lakes, yet the production team remained professional, passionate, and determined to capture Ron’s journey with respect and creativity. The same dedication and pride were evident on The Wrath set and at the Soundstage.
Why Saskatchewan’s Film Industry Matters
Film in Saskatchewan isn’t just about showcasing beautiful landscapes. It’s about telling meaningful stories, building culture, and creating jobs. Productions supported by Creative Saskatchewan employ hundreds of locals, mentor the next generation of filmmakers, and showcase the province’s creative potential on a national and international stage.
After seeing the impact of film production on this province from both in front of and behind the camera, I felt inspired and proud. Saskatchewan is no longer an overlooked filming location. It’s a place where films are made efficiently, professionally, and creatively – and where local talent thrives.
With Creative Saskatchewan’s support, the province’s film industry is not just back in the frame, it’s in sharp focus, ready to tell stories that matter and put Saskatchewan on the cinematic map.
