BARRY O’RIORDAN
COWICHAN VALLEY – Exciting news in the world of entertainment and Indigenous collaboration! The Malahat Nation and Alpha Select Production Services of Victoria have announced plans for the development of state-of-the-art film studios on Malahat lands, marking a significant milestone in fostering Indigenous leadership in the film industry.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to create a hub for film production, generating economic opportunities for the Malahat Nation and the broader Cowichan community. The 85-acre site could see as many as six sound stages of up to 36,000 square feet each and several production workshops, as well as a commercial complex with a hotel and other services. Outgoing film commissioner for the South Vancouver Island Film Commission, Kathleen Gilbert, said that this type of film studio will help attract films with budgets in to the $20-million to $200-million range and higher.
At a news conference at Brentwood College on Friday, February 9, 2024, Beverly Dondale, Chief Executive of Alpha Select Production Services, said construction could begin as early as 2025 and that discussions are already taking place with investors to finalize funding. The studio complex would cost an estimated $250 million and take several years of construction.
Chief Administrative Officer for Malahat Nation, Josh Handysides, said the Nation is already starting work on major infrastructure, including water, wastewater, telecommunications, power and roads.
The proposed studios will not only serve as a filming location but will also offer training programs and workshops, empowering Indigenous talent to thrive in the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry. Josh Handysides said at the news conference:
“One of the big things that really sold us [Malahat Nation] on the film industry is it isn’t just one employer, one type of job- it’s a whole ecosystem of entry-level and training jobs all the way to professional jobs.”
This isn’t the first venture into the entertainment industry for the Malahat Nation. Earlier this month they hosted an Empowered Filmmaker Masterclass at the Malahat Kwunew Kwasun Center, free for Nation members. The Masterclass is an official program in collaboration with Telus Storyhive and VoVo Productions to mentor and support residents of British Columbia to make locally reflective short video documentaries.
The Malahat Nation is leading the way in innovative and meaningful partnerships in the technology and film industries, fueling economic growth for the entire region. EDC is thrilled with this announcement because our current strategic plan seeks to support and promote Cowichan as a premiere film destination and a region for film events and film training opportunities.
Let’s celebrate this significant milestone for Malahat Nation and the entire Cowichan region!
Barry O’Riordan is the Manager of Economic Development Cowichan.