2024 was a blockbuster year for Winnipeg and Manitoba’s film industry.
The Province of Manitoba’s film and television sector hit a record-breaking milestone, generating an estimated $434.9 million in economic activity. That’s not just a big win for the industry it’s a huge win for Winnipeg and our province.
More than 2,000 people from makeup artists to set designers, carpenters to camera crews used their skills and talents to support productions both local and international. Every dollar spent on sets, hotels, catering, transportation, and local talent flows back into our community. That’s jobs created, businesses supported, and growth that doesn’t rely on increasing city taxes.
Why Film Matters for Winnipeg
The benefits of this booming industry stretch far beyond the silver screen:
- Job Creation: Every production hires local crews, contractors, and performers. These are steady paycheques for Manitobans.
- Economic Growth: Productions spend big on hotels, restaurants, rentals, and services injecting millions into our local economy.
- Global Spotlight: When Winnipeg doubles as Dallas, Chicago, or small-town America, our city’s character and versatility are showcased to audiences around the world.
- Opportunities for Local Talent: Actors, artists, and technicians get real career-building experience right here at home.
- Taxpayer Relief: The revenue this industry generates is new money coming in it supports economic growth without leaning on local tax increases.
What’s Already Hit the Screen
In 2024 alone, Winnipeg was home to everything from spooky horror films to heartwarming holiday features. A few titles filmed here include:
- It Takes Two
- Altar
- The Millionaire Murderer
- Five Gold Rings (holiday film)
- Following Yonder Star (holiday film)
- Normal, starring Henry Winkler and Lena Headey
What’s Filming in Winnipeg Right Now?
The momentum hasn’t slowed down here’s what’s rolling cameras in 2025:
- November 1963 (Feature film starring John Travolta, Mandy Patinkin, Dermot Mulroney, Robert Carlyle, and Jefferson White) – transforming Winnipeg into 1960s Dallas and Chicago.
- Little House on the Prairie (Netflix/CBS reboot) – filming from June to October 2025, starring Alice Halsey, Luke Bracey, and Skywalker Hughes.
- The Long Walk (Stephen King adaptation) – starring Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, Judy Greer, and Charlie Plummer.
- Independence (TV Series – Big Woods Productions).
- I Have To Kill My Neighbour (Lifetime Movie).
- Violent Night 2 (Feature film – Red Viking Productions).
- Sony Untitled (TV Series).
Star Power Meets Local Power
Having stars like John Travolta, Mandy Patinkin, Robert Carlyle, and Mark Hamill working in Winnipeg is exciting, but it’s the collaboration with local crews and businesses that makes these productions possible.
Behind every big name is a team of Manitobans building sets in local warehouses, tailoring costumes, scouting our neighbourhoods, feeding crews with local catering, and putting Winnipeg’s warmth on full display.
This industry isn’t just about movies it’s about people, jobs, and opportunities. And with momentum like this, Winnipeg is proving to be a creative hub where local talent and global productions come together to build something remarkable.
Winnipeg is more than a backdrop. We are a destination for film, talent, and opportunity and the story is just beginning.
