Regina Soundstage gets new signage, now called John Hopkins Soundstage

Saskatchewan Production Studios’ soundstage is now called the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage. New signage was unveiled on Wednesday at an event honoring the late John Hopkins for his commitment to economic development, inclusion and reconciliation.

John’s son Jesse Hopkins was in attendance and said his father was moved by the name change.

“John would be honored and very humbled to know that the Regina soundstage is being renamed in his memory. He was dedicated to his community and cared deeply for the people who call this great province home.”

Jesse said that Regina enabled John to live a wonderful life and in return he gave back to the community in every way he could.

“Creative arts have always been an important part of John’s life and that of our family. Growing up, our household lived with musicians, singers, theater and visual arts. He was very fortunate to settle down and raise a family in such a culturally diverse city,” said Jesse. “Despite his cancer diagnosis and treatments, John’s work in the community was not over, and a creative Saskatchewan manufacturing program was one of the last major initiatives he supported. It was on his mind, even at the very end.”

John was CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce for 20 years and a founding member of the Regina Trades and Skills Centre. He was also a strong advocate for Indigenous economic reconciliation, organizer of the Smudge Walk and served on the boards of Cowess Ventures, Little Child Holdings and Reconciliation Regina.

He was a huge supporter of the creative industries and recognized the value film production would bring to Saskatchewan as a champion of economic growth.

“He would be thrilled to know that the sound stages are already buzzing with activity. With the recent announcement of a major television production King of Killers. It’s investing dollars in Saskatchewan and creating over 100 jobs for the great people of our province,” said Jesse.

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The new series “King of Killers” brings opportunity to Saskatchewan

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross was also at the event and said John Hopkins was deeply involved in the community. “John was a passionate and loyal friend with John in your corner, nothing seemed impossible,” she said. “John was also a genuine friend of our community. We would be hard pressed to find any aspect of life in Regina in which John was not in some way involved, either through his leadership in the Chamber of Commerce or through the many organizations, boards and committees of which he was so proud to be a member. ”

She added that John used his passion for music as a singer and guitarist with a garage band, raising more than $1.4 million for the Alan Blair Cancer Center. “We have him to thank for that.

“It feels fitting to honor a man who has done so much. He left such a deep and enduring legacy of opportunity and hope for many of us.”

Located at the corner of College Avenue and Broad Street in Wascana Park, the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage is an art film and television production facility with three separate soundstages. The size, height and equipment of the stages make them the largest and most comprehensive production facilities in Western Canada.

Jesse concluded by quoting Gandalf Lord of the Rings Trilogy “All we have to decide is what to do with the time we’re given.”

“John has chosen to spend his time improving our city, our province and the lives of everyone around him. On behalf of my father and our family, thank you Saskatchewan.”