Northern Ontario just got a production boost with the opening of White Owl Film Studios, a state-of-the-art facility that stands as the largest Indigenous-led film studio in Canada. Located on Wahnapitae First Nation land near Sudbury, this 20,000-square-foot facility with 64-foot ceilings is designed to accommodate high-end productions, providing a much-needed year-round shooting space for the region’s growing industry.

“This is a key piece of infrastructure that has been a long time coming for Sudbury,” says Axel Green, White Owl Film Studios’ PR and acquisitions manager. “It allows us the ability to shoot during the wintertime and cater to a larger series.”

The launch of White Owl Studios is a game-changer for northern Ontario, a region that has steadily been growing as a sought-after destination for film and TV productions thanks to competitive tax incentives and diverse landscapes. With its vast, unobstructed space and high ceilings, the facility is built for maximum flexibility—allowing productions to create custom-built sets without limitations.

“It’s built like this for different sound and to have an open area, so when productions come in, there’s nothing hindering them from building whatever they want,” says studio co-owner Roy Roque.

A First Nation-Led Vision for Film and Economic Growth

More than just a production hub, White Owl Studios is also a commitment to economic and cultural investment. By developing this major facility on Wahnapitae First Nation, the studio’s founders are looking beyond film to foster long-term business and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities.

“In a lot of our First Nation communities, we have gas stations, cannabis stores, and cigarette stores,” Roque explains. “But to have a sustainable business that also encourages education and creative careers—that’s something that can really help future generations.”

With a mission to support both major productions and emerging local talent, White Owl Film Studios aims to attract big-budget projects while also providing opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers and young creatives looking to break into the industry. As productions increasingly seek alternatives to traditional urban centers, this state-of-the-art facility is positioning itself as a premier destination for film and TV in Canada.