As winter arrives in Winnipeg, snow is a common sight year-round in the city. Winnipeg has become a popular destination for holiday-themed movie productions, featuring local and international actors filming in various locations adorned with Christmas lights.
Many of these movies are created for the Hallmark Channel, a U.S.-based network known for producing numerous holiday features annually for a large audience. Rodrigo Beilfuss, a Winnipeg actor and director associated with Shakespeare in the Ruins, has starred in four Hallmark films over the past five years.
“Over the last five years, Winnipeg has emerged as a hub for Christmas movie production,” Beilfuss noted, highlighting the city’s growing significance in this genre of films. “It’s exciting to see Winnipeg showcased across North America.”
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of performing arts venues to the public, Beilfuss shifted his focus from stage performances to auditioning for film roles. He emphasized Winnipeg’s rich talent pool, stating, “Whether it’s Hallmark or Hamlet, we have exceptional actors and performers here.”
Lynne Skromeda, CEO and film commissioner at Manitoba Film and Music, described Manitoba as having a thriving film and television production industry. Skromeda pointed out the province’s appeal for filmmakers, citing its talent, infrastructure, and attractive incentives for productions.
According to Manitoba Film and Music, the province offers the most competitive film and production tax credit in Canada. Productions made in Manitoba can benefit from tax credits of up to 65% on salary costs or up to 38% on production expenses.
Beilfuss highlighted the advantage of Winnipeg’s long winters for filming, mentioning the city’s ability to maintain a snowy backdrop even in April. He praised the city’s diverse landscapes and architecture, making it a versatile and visually appealing filming location.
Appearing in Hallmark movies has allowed Beilfuss, originally from Brazil, to connect with global audiences, including his family back home. He expressed his appreciation for the joy these movies bring, especially during challenging times, stating, “Providing a bit of fun and joy to people’s lives in this chaotic world is truly rewarding.”