Game shows, competition series and reality television are among the fastest-growing genres in the global television industry.
From cooking competitions and talent contests to adventure series, dating shows and large-scale entertainment formats, broadcasters and streamers continue to invest heavily in unscripted programming that attracts loyal audiences and travels internationally.
At the same time, Saskatchewan has quietly assembled something unique: a combination of production incentives, workforce development, purpose-built studio space and spectacular locations that make the province an exceptionally attractive place to produce these genres.
Several important developments have come together at exactly the right time.
One of Only Two Provinces to Support Game Shows
Saskatchewan is one of only two provinces in Canada—alongside Alberta—to recognize game shows as eligible productions under a provincial film incentive.
For qualifying productions, Saskatchewan’s Film & Television Production Grant (FFTV) can provide grants covering up to 40% of eligible Saskatchewan production expenditures (with 50% – 80% flowing up front).
For producers deciding where to base a series, that represents a significant competitive advantage.
Building the Specialized Workforce These Productions Need
Game shows and competition series rely on specialized crew positions that are rarely found on scripted productions.
Saskatchewan’s new Apprenticeship Stream Training Program provides a practical solution.
When qualified Saskatchewan residents are not available, productions can bring experienced out-of-province mentors to Saskatchewan to work alongside local apprentices and access up to 40% in grants on the out-of-province crew’s labour. The result is immediate access to specialized expertise while simultaneously building Saskatchewan’s workforce for future productions.
Every production leaves behind more experienced local crew members, making the next production even easier to staff.
A Studio Built for Entertainment Television
The John Hopkins Soundstage in Regina is another major advantage.
With three stages, recently upgraded electrical service designed for power-hungry shows, and very competitive weekly rates, the facility is ideally suited for the “shiny floor” productions that define many game shows, competition series and entertainment formats.
Whether producing quiz shows, cooking competitions, talent series or large studio-based reality productions, Saskatchewan now offers infrastructure that can support world-class productions.
Studio Productions Meet Spectacular Locations
One of Saskatchewan’s greatest strengths is the ability to combine first-class studio facilities with incredible outdoor locations.
Producers can move seamlessly between controlled studio environments and wide-open landscapes perfect for:
- Adventure competitions
- Survival formats
- Amazing Race-style series
- Agricultural competitions
- Outdoor lifestyle programming
- Reality competitions
Few jurisdictions offer both purpose-built studio space and such a diverse range of accessible filming locations.
A New Opportunity for Indigenous Producers
The timing couldn’t be better.
Indigenous producers can now access Canada Media Fund support for game shows and unscripted entertainment programming, creating exciting opportunities to develop original formats and entertainment series.
Combined with Saskatchewan’s eligibility for game shows under the FFTV, this creates a powerful platform for Indigenous creators to develop and produce innovative unscripted programming.
More Than Servicing Productions
This isn’t simply an opportunity to attract productions from elsewhere.
It’s an opportunity for Saskatchewan companies to create original intellectual property, develop internationally marketable formats and build businesses around one of television’s fastest-growing genres.
Saskatchewan already has experienced production companies with strong backgrounds in factual, documentary and reality television. These new tools make it easier to expand into larger competition formats and studio entertainment programming while continuing to build local expertise.
Your Next Move
If you’re a Saskatchewan production company, now is the time to start exploring what these opportunities could mean for your business.
Learn more about:
- Saskatchewan’s Film & Television Production Grant and how commercials, branded content, reality television and game shows now qualify.
- The Apprenticeship Stream Training Program and how it can help productions build specialized crews while developing Saskatchewan talent.
- How your company could expand into competition formats, studio entertainment programming and branded content production.
There has never been a better time to diversify your production slate.
Looking for a Saskatchewan Production Partner?
If you’re a broadcaster, streamer, format owner, distributor or production company developing a game show, competition series or reality format, Saskatchewan has never been better positioned to help bring your project to life.
ScreenSask can connect you with experienced local production companies, introduce you to our production infrastructure, explain available incentives and workforce development programs, and help you explore how Saskatchewan could become the home for your next production.
Whether you’re looking for a service producer, a co-production partner or a company to help adapt and produce your format, we’d be happy to start the conversation.
Game On
Individually, each of these developments is significant.
Together, they create something much larger.
- One of only two provincial incentives in Canada supporting game shows.
- Grants covering up to 40% of eligible Saskatchewan production expenditures (with 50% – 80% flowing up front).
- An Apprenticeship Stream that builds specialized crews while bringing experienced mentors to Saskatchewan, by giving you up to 40% on non-Saskatchewan labour.
- The outstanding John Hopkins Soundstage, purpose-built for “shiny floor” entertainment productions.
- Spectacular locations for outdoor competition formats.
- New opportunities for Indigenous producers to develop unscripted programming.
- An experienced, collaborative production industry ready to grow.
It’s a rare alignment of policy, infrastructure, workforce development and creative opportunity.
For Saskatchewan producers, it represents a chance to build new businesses, create original intellectual property and compete in one of television’s fastest-growing markets.
For broadcasters, streamers and production companies, Saskatchewan offers a compelling combination of incentives, infrastructure, talent and partnership opportunities that is difficult to find anywhere else in Canada.
The stage is built.
The crews are growing.
The opportunity is here.
Game on.