Electropolis Is Open For
Business
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--Electropolis Is Open For Business
Electropolis Studios, Eastern Canada's largest film production facility, officially opened for business today.
The 3,250-square-metre (35,000-square-foot) facility on the waterfront is one of three soundstages in the Halifax area that have received federal and provincial funding to encourage growth in Nova Scotia's film industry.
Premier Russell MacLellan and Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate, on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), took part in the opening today.
"Investing in Nova Scotia's film industry is exciting, lucrative and has lots of potential," said Premier MacLellan. "It's an industry that has seen more than 60 per cent growth within three years. Going from $40 million in 1994 to $65 million, which is projected for this year, shows a solid return on our initial $1-million investment in Electropolis."
"There is no doubt that Nova Scotia is definitely on the right track in becoming a centre where large productions can be made," said Senator Graham. "ACOA is pleased to have helped provide the necessary infrastructure to strengthen one of Nova Scotia's fastest-growing industries."
Bernie Smith, Electropolis Studios president, said the studios are a ground-breaking development for the region's film and television industry.
"Film and television production is a leading growth area for this region," said Mr. Smith. "Electropolis Studios reflect the magnitude of this industry."
Housed in a former Nova Scotia Power Corp. plant, which is leasing the facility to Electropolis Studios, the complex is equipped with four studios for production.
The largest studio is 1,100 square metres (12,000 square feet), boasting a 22.5-metre ceiling, state-of-the-art soundproofing, a 75-tonne crane, a viewing gallery, and a two-metre pit. This studio also has the capability to be flooded up to 1.2 metres. The three remaining studios range from 200 square metres to 275 square metres (2,300-3,000 square feet).
Strategically located on the Halifax waterfront, the complex will provide ship-mooring capability, which will enable film production companies to transport production equipment and sets via the harbour. The studios are also complete with numerous "star" dressing rooms, a hair and makeup room, wardrobe, showers, a green room, in-house catering, and equipment supply and carpentry space.
The federal and provincial governments, through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, provided $1 million in support toward the $3-million project.