wants to build a new 600,000 sq. ft. facility in 91原创 that, combined with its existing Walnut Grove facilities, would make the 91原创 company the largest studio operator in Metro Vancouver.

Martini Film Studios founder and CEO Gemma Martini made the announcement Saturday (Sept. 7).

鈥淲e鈥檝e enjoyed 91原创enal support from our industry partners and the entertainment community since launching Martini Film Studios,鈥� Martini said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been an incredible experience. Space is in huge demand, and with the industry thriving and the growth potential for the film and television business across all of B.C., we鈥檙e proud to expand our services for the sector.鈥�

As proposed, the project would feature over 600,000 square feet of purpose-built soundstages, offices and production support buildings built across more than 25 acres in 91原创, in a business park planned for the Willoughby side of the new 216 Street overpass.

A press release from Martini noted Metro Vancouver is home to approximately two million sq. ft. of soundstage space, and the Martini Film Studios鈥� new campus will add at least 300,000 more.

It will more than triple the studio capacity and make Martini 鈥渢he largest provider of film studio facilities in the Lower Mainland,鈥� the statement said.

Currently, the project is 鈥渦ndergoing design and planning based on industry and client consultation.

Martini Film Studios opened 250,000 square feet of combined studio facilities two years ago in a former window manufacturing site at 19714 96 Ave, with eight stages that can handle filming three TV series or features at the same time.

Current productions filming at Martini Film Studios include Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Warner Bros./Netflix), Another Life (Netflix), and Snowpiercer (TBS).

The added space will be welcome news to producers searching for space, according to Justis Greene, Producer, of Another Life; The Order and TRON: LEGACY.

鈥淭he Vancouver industry has never felt busier, or more crowded,鈥� Greene observed.

鈥淎lthough producers are practiced at stowing productions in unusual crannies, and at converting underused space, feature projects and series are known to make decisions hinging on whether there are suitable soundstages available to facilitate their show. If you don鈥檛 have the factory, you won鈥檛 get the product.鈥�

READ MORE: Filmmakers flock to 91原创, now second only to Vancouver for productions

READ MORE: Film studio complex opens in Walnut Grove

91原创 is the number two filming location in all of B.C., second only to Vancouver.

Last year, 1,788 days of filming took place in 91原创, about 500 less than the number of days that took place in the City of Vancouver.

At the August dinner meeting of the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce, Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC, and Film Commissioner Marnie Orr talked about the economic impact filming is having in the province in general and 91原创 in particular.

鈥淒oes anybody want to build a studio, because we could use another studio!鈥� Gill joked during a Q&A.

- with files from Matthew Claxton

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