NEWS RELEASE
BALLINRAN ENTERTAINMENT
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A consortium of local business leaders and investors are getting behind a project from Ballinran Entertainment to develop a film and television production facility in Stratford to capitalize on the city’s creative potential and take advantage of the transformative changes in the global media and entertainment sector.
Designed by architect Michael Wilson, Stageview Studios will involve the redevelopment of an existing warehouse on Downie Street just beyond Stratford’s heritage downtown.
“As we kick off our company’s 30th anniversary, I couldn’t think of a better way to plant the seeds for the next generation of content creators,” says Craig Thompson, president and executive producer of Ballinran Entertainment. “We are witnessing a major transformation of the global media and entertainment sector - changes driven by streaming, advances in technology such as AI and shifts in consumer behaviour. As a creative community, with an abundance of world-class talent on our doorstep, Stratford is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.”
Champions of the project include Lee Helperin, a prominent business figure, musician and property owner in Stratford whose family has owned Hudson’s of Stratford, a premiere home furnishing store for more than 100 years. Helperin also owns the warehouse property which will be adapted for the studio development.
“For more than four years, I’ve had a ring-side seat witnessing the trajectory and creative journey of Craig and his team at Ballinran Entertainment,” says Helperin. “It’s truly remarkable what they’ve been able to accomplish, and I believe Stageview Studios will be an asset to the creative economy of Stratford and southwestern Ontario.”
The project has also been endorsed by Nick Aroutzidis, an accomplished civil engineer, who has also been deeply involved with charities and community service organizations over the years in Stratford including the United Way, Rotary Club, Stratford Warriors Hockey Club and the Rotary Respite House.
“This is truly a visionary project that aligns perfectly with the planning currently underway for the redevelopment of the Grand Trunk Railway Shops property in Stratford. This is an exciting project that will elevate Stratford to a higher level, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Wilson adds that “the design of Stageview Studios will have a strong connection to Stratford’s industrial and railway heritage. The building’s location and southwest orientation presents an opportunity for an energy progressive design which will not only restore its former spirit but combine it with environmental innovation.”
Details of the over 33-thousand square-foot development and its facilities have yet to be revealed, but the proponents are aiming for a completion date in 2027.
About Ballinran Entertainment:
Founded in 1995 by former journalist and foreign correspondent Craig Thompson, Ballinran Entertainment is southwestern Ontario’s most prolific film, television and digital media studio. We produce captivating cinematic documentary programming for Canadian broadcasters and global platforms including Netflix, Discovery and Amazon.
Our passion for illuminating extraordinary stories has taken us to the four corners of the world, from the exotic backdrops of Bollywood to the spectacular Canadian Arctic, to the breathtaking African savannah to the iconic studios and entertainment brands of Hollywood. We bring decades of industry experience to the screen, driven by our desire to tell great stories. Learn more at: ballinran.com
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