Craig Thompson’s next project was a long time coming.
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Craig Thompson’s next project was a long time coming.
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The former journalist-turned-executive director of Ballinran Entertainment had been waiting for the right moment to expand. Now, Thompson is moving forward on an ambitious development that will take the company to another level and ignite content production in the region.
“The timing really has never been right until now,” he said. “The industry is changing so rapidly.”
Designed by architect Michael Wilson, Stageview Studios will involve the redevelopment of an existing warehouse on Downie Street, just beyond Stratford’s heritage downtown, into a film and television production facility.
Construction of the 3,605-square-metre facility could begin this fall, Thompson said, and be completed in 2027. It will include a studio to film and record productions, an audio studio, production offices and space for equipment rental.
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“Why should we be spending our money in Toronto when we can do the same in Stratford and create jobs?” Thompson said.
Rapid changes in global media and entertainment, driven by streaming, consumer behaviour and advances in technology, like artificial intelligence, pushed Thompson to act on an idea that developed almost 10 years ago. It’s a much different landscape than what Thompson encountered 30 years ago when he started a small company known for its documentaries and visual storytelling.
“As a creative community with an abundance of world-class talent on our doorstep, Stratford is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends,” he said. “When you look back, you realize how much has changed, and we’re trying to keep up and anticipating changes that will come.”
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A group of local business leaders and investors are getting behind the multi-million-dollar project, including Lee Helperin, whose family has owned Hudson’s of Stratford home furnishing store on Downie Street for more than 100 years. Helperin also owns the warehouse property that will be adapted for studio development.
“For more than four years, I’ve had a ringside seat witnessing the trajectory and creative journey of Craig and his team at Ballinran Entertainment,” Helperin said. “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.”
Nick Aroutzidis, an investor and longtime civil engineer in the city, offered his expertise to ensure the building would be able to withstand foundational support and the addition of another storey.
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“This is a truly a visionary project that aligns perfectly with the planning currently underway for the redevelopment of the Grand Trunk Railway Shops property in Stratford,” Aroutzidis said. “This is an exciting project that will elevate Stratford to a higher level, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Once complete, Thompson hopes the new studio benefits not just the work his company does but also the next generation of storytellers who won’t have to relocate to do what they love.
“There’s an opportunity to ignite creation of new companies and content creators in Stratford and area.”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.stratfordbeaconherald.com ’
