The recent expansion of Saskatchewan’s Film & Television Production Grant (FFTV) to include qualifying advertising, commercials and branded content is more than a welcome policy change.
It’s a business development opportunity.
For the first time, Saskatchewan production companies can market themselves with a competitive advantage that few jurisdictions can match: qualifying commercial productions may access grants covering up to 40% of eligible Saskatchewan production expenditures, while also benefiting from Saskatchewan’s new Apprenticeship Stream Training Program.
Together, these programs create a compelling reason for national agencies and international brands to take a closer look at Saskatchewan.
The challenge now is making sure they know about it.
Here are ten practical ways to turn this new advantage into new business.
1. Start Selling Saskatchewan—Not Just Your Company
When you meet with prospective clients, don’t begin by talking about your camera package or your latest project.
Lead with the business case.
Explain that Saskatchewan now offers:
- Up to 40% of eligible Saskatchewan production spending through the FFTV.
- Access to an Apprenticeship Stream that helps productions build local crews while bringing in specialized expertise when required.
- Experienced production professionals.
- Competitive production costs.
- Diverse locations.
- An efficient, collaborative production community.
You’re not simply selling your company.
You’re selling Saskatchewan as the smartest place to produce.
2. Treat Commercial Production as a Growth Business
Commercial work shouldn’t be something that happens when the phone rings.
Develop a dedicated business plan that includes:
- Revenue targets.
- Sales objectives.
- Target markets.
- Marketing activities.
- Client relationship goals.
The companies that grow commercial production treat it as a strategic line of business, not an occasional opportunity.
3. Build a List of Ideal Clients
Think beyond local businesses.
Target organizations that regularly commission premium video production, including:
- National retailers.
- Financial institutions.
- Agricultural companies.
- Mining and energy companies.
- Tourism organizations.
- Technology companies.
- Consumer brands.
- Sports organizations.
- Universities.
- National charities.
Many of these organizations are producing branded content every month—not just television commercials.
4. Build Relationships with Advertising Agencies
Most major commercial productions begin with an agency.
Develop a list of creative agencies, production agencies and brand studios in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Introduce your company before they need you.
Share your work.
Explain Saskatchewan’s unique production incentives.
Then stay in touch.
Commercial production is a relationship business.
5. Create Marketing Materials Specifically for Commercial Clients
Many production company websites are designed to attract broadcasters and streamers.
Advertising agencies are looking for something different.
Develop:
- A commercial reel.
- A branded content reel.
- Case studies.
- Behind-the-scenes content.
- Client testimonials.
- Production capability brochures.
Make it easy for agency producers to imagine bringing a campaign to Saskatchewan.
6. Use the Apprenticeship Stream as a Selling Feature
The Apprenticeship Stream isn’t just a workforce development program.
It’s also a business development tool.
When specialized expertise isn’t available locally, productions may be able to bring experienced out-of-province mentors to Saskatchewan while training local apprentices on the same production.
That allows clients to access experienced professionals while helping develop Saskatchewan’s next generation of crew.
It’s a story many brands appreciate: high production quality combined with meaningful workforce development and skills training.
7. Consider Representation in Major Markets
Many successful commercial production companies work with executive producers or production representatives in major centres.
Having someone actively promoting your company in Toronto, Vancouver or New York can open doors that are difficult to access from Saskatchewan.
A single strong relationship with an agency producer can generate years of repeat work.
8. Work Together to Win Bigger Projects
Larger commercial campaigns often require capabilities that extend beyond one company.
Consider collaborating with other Saskatchewan businesses that specialize in:
- Post-production.
- Animation.
- Motion graphics.
- Visual effects.
- Virtual production.
- Drone cinematography.
- Photography.
- Production design.
A stronger Saskatchewan production ecosystem benefits everyone.
9. Make Business Development Part of Every Week
Commercial production isn’t won with one great pitch.
It’s won through consistent relationship building.
Set measurable goals such as:
- Contact five new agencies every week.
- Schedule two introductory meetings each month.
- Attend advertising and marketing conferences.
- Update your commercial reel every quarter.
- Share recent work on LinkedIn.
- Stay in regular contact with agency producers and former clients.
Business development isn’t something you do when work slows down.
It’s how you ensure work keeps coming.
Saskatchewan’s Window of Opportunity
The commercial production market is expanding rapidly as brands invest more heavily in premium video content and long-form storytelling.
At the same time, Saskatchewan has positioned itself as one of Canada’s most attractive jurisdictions for qualifying commercial, advertising and branded content productions through a combination of generous production incentives and workforce development support.
That combination gives Saskatchewan production companies a story that deserves to be told.
The companies that embrace this opportunity—by developing a clear commercial strategy, building relationships with agencies and brands, and actively promoting Saskatchewan’s unique advantages—won’t simply grow their own businesses.
They’ll help establish Saskatchewan as one of North America’s premier destinations for commercial and branded content production.
The opportunity is here.
Now it’s time to go sell it.