Netflix star from Winnipeg says thriving film careers are possible from Manitoba

When actors want to make it to Hollywood, the norm has been to move to big cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, or Vancouver. Hollywood actors Anna Paquin and Nia Vardalos have followed this path.

But with Manitoba’s film industry seeing a boom in the past few years and doing nothing but growing, Winnipeg actor Sydney Sabiston said careers are possible from the heart of the prairies.

Sabiston’s latest project, Netflix’s newest horror movie called Time Cut, had its premier in Los Angeles Wednesday and is now available to stream on the platform.

“Seeing the project come to life, I was obviously very excited because we filmed it three years so finally getting to watch it was a surreal moment,” explained Sabiston.

Sabiston stars as Val in Time Cut, which was filmed in different parts of the city. While she’s leaving herself open to relocating in the future, for now she said she’s happy being in Winnipeg.

“There are more opportunities for actors to be seen, to be considered. And the same with crew members,” said Sabiston.

Film and theatre artist, Ray Strachan, says making a living in film is difficult from Winnipeg, but it is possible now that the industry is seeing more productions coming to film here.

“When I started working in the theatre TV industry, the belief was that you have to go to Toronto or Vancouver to have a living. And that was absolutely true because there was not enough opportunity,” said Strachan.

“Once in a while there are those opportunities where Manitobans and Winnipeggers get to shine, so the opportunities are there.”

Sabiston, who is also a filmmaker in addition to being an actor, said she finds the comfort of working in Winnipeg with friends in the industry to be such a supporting environment. A strong advocate for people to join the industry, she said all roles in the industry — from actors, crew and more — are achievable with Manitoba’s industry growth.

Adding, “We’re really making ourselves known on the map now, so I’m really proud of that and I like to be here to support that and champion Manitoba as much as possible.”