With the sector bringing in $50 million in revenues annually, the economic development agency is working to make film a focus for development in the next few years.
The studio, discussed in a request for proposals to industry, will include space for storage, editing, soundstage production and elements associated with digital media.
Industry officials have been pushing for a studio in Ottawa for several years now, saying the lack of a soundstage and in-house facilities is hampering the growth of the industry.
According to Walt Hutchings, managing director for investment and trade, the effort by Invest Ottawa to highlight film is to bring the sector into the spotlight, as the technical expertise already exists.
"Most people don't realize a large number of technical experts are in Ottawa," he said in an OBJ interview. "Part of the reason is we have the national federal agencies here, the R&D, the (National Research Council) and so on.
"Because we have the infrastructure, you attract the highly educated and talented people because they want to work in those areas," he said, adding that when people are available, companies tend to want to follow those companies and set up office locally.
There are no parameters on what sort of group can apply or the size or the location of the studio. A new building can be constructed, or an existing building repurposed.
Mr. Hutchings noted it would be preferable for the group building the studio to have some sort of film expertise as well as knowledge of construction.
Proposals are due Aug. 31, with the winning proponent expected to be selected in October. Construction will begin in late 2012 or early 2013, and finish by the end of this year.
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