creative industries and new media sector

Key Industries

Creative Industries

Winnipeg is celebrated as the Cultural Cradle of Canada and is also a burgeoning hub for film, animation, visual effects (VFX) and video gaming. The city boasts exceptional talent, significant cost advantages through our generous tax credits and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, lauded by media and artists worldwide, Winnipeg attracts a diverse array of talent, much like its eclectic architecture. From turn-of-the-century structures to modern designs, this city consistently appeals and inspires skilled creative professionals including: 

Actors, skilled film crews and directors
Artists and animators
Architects and designers
Writers and performers
Production companies and agencies

Winnipeg is a hotbed for studios engaged in new media, including digital imaging, interactive games and audio/visual production. This dynamic environment makes it a magnet for those in the creative industries, fostering innovation and artistic excellence.

Winnipeg attracts creative professionals and builds communities through our:

Business friendly immigration policies
Competitive tax credit programs
Growing and talented workforce
Diverse and stable economy

Education Programs

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts at Red River College Polytechnic was created to elevate Winnipeg’s entertainment and media industries. The institute ensures there’s a steady pipeline of newly skilled local talent to fill crucial industry roles, while deepening engagement with industry partners and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.
Sisler High School’s CREATE program offers students three main streams: Graphic Design, Interactive Digital Media and Motion Picture Arts. By combining technical training from vocational and innovative educators with industry mentorship and internship opportunities, the CREATE program sharpens students’ job readiness, preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries.
Winnipeg is home to StudioLab xR, the only Unreal Authorized Training Center in the Canadian Prairies. This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to equipping companies and students with the essential skills for entering the world of virtual production.

Winnipeg Success Stories

Ubisoft Winnipeg

Ubisoft is a triple-A game studio known for its work on gamer favourites, Far Cry and Assassins Creed. Ubisoft Winnipeg prides itself on designing a workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity, which is why it chose to set up in the dense and highly connected Exchange District in the heart of the Winnipeg. Watch this testimonial here.

Cartel

Cartel Pictures is a L.A.-based feature film and television production and management company with offices in Winnipeg representing top-tier show runners, show creators, writers, directors, producers, talent and production companies in film, TV and new media. It works closely with Hallmark, which has filmed more than 10 movies, using Winnipeg locations and talent.

Fast Facts

up to 40%

interactive Digital Media Tax Credit, the most competitive all-spend credit in Canada
up to 65%

Film and Video Production Tax Credit
$1.5B

Total GDP
Manitoba, 2022
1,141

Creative industries companies
Winnipeg, 2023
15,504

Creative industries employees
Winnipeg, 2023
40%

of Manitoba production companies are owned by Women
99.9%

of Manitoba's electricity is from clean, renewable sources

Explore Winnipeg's Creative Industries Ecosystem

Explore our interactive map to discover the vibrant ecosystem of creative industry leaders and organizations that call Winnipeg home. Navigate through various sectors, view company profiles and learn how our city fosters a thriving community of innovation and creativity.