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Surrey’s film industry on the rise as city unveils new production studio

Thanks to a steady increase in film production through the city, Surrey is now home to its own studio.

Skydance Studios was officially opened in Newton today; the site has been converted from a printing press building and will allow 75,000 square feet of production space.

Not only that, but Skydance houses one of the world’s biggest sound stages, measuring in at 460 ft. long and 50 ft. high, and can make it rain on command within one of the five available stages.

Mayor Linda Hepner says in a release that it was the logical next move for Skydance Media to bring a permanent destination to Surrey.

“With the opening of Skydance Studios in Newton, the media company will have direct access to our local professionals who work within the film and television industry. The City of Surrey along with the Metro Vancouver region will benefit from the $100 million dollars a year and the 400 jobs that Skydance Studios will inject into our local economy.”
And what will be the first film to come out of Surrey’s Skydance? Science fiction thriller ‘Altered Carbon’ on Netflix is at the top of the list to begin production.

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services says the enhancement of the film industry will only do good things for the city, and the province as a whole.

“We recognize that a vibrant film and digital entertainment industry creates long-term stable jobs in B.C., which is an important driver of our #BCTECH Strategy… Skydance’s new studio is a major media production and will further our reputation as a growing cluster for visual effects and digital animation.”

Source: CKNW