As part of a move to produce more original content, Martini Film Studios, owners of the Aldergrove-based Martini Town backlot and eight stages at three studios in Langley, has acquired a majority stake in Lighthouse Pictures, a Vancouver-based production company.
Lighthouse co-founders Jamie Goehring and Shawn Williamson, an Emmy-nominated producer, will remain with the company, which has a long list of successful productions such as Three Wise Men and a Baby for Hallmark; The Confirmation starring Clive Owen, Maria Bello, Patton Oswalt and Matthew Modine which marked the directing debut of Academy Award-nominated writer Bob Nelson; and 1922, a Netflix production based on the Stephen King novella.
Calling Goehring and Williamson “industry leaders,” a statement released Tuesday, April 9 by Martini Studios president Gemma Martini said the deal was part of the full-service studio’s move into original production in film and television.
“The opportunity to acquire a majority stake in Lighthouse has come at a time where we are growing our own production activity and the Martini brand,” Martini said.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Christmas event at movie backlot raises $62K for Langley food bank
When Martini Studios was launched in 2017, it was focused on providing facilities for various production companies, including Netflix, Warner Brothers, CBS, and Hallmark.
Martini Studios move into original production began in 2020, with the launch of the Martini Entertainment Group with George Patterson and David Shepheard.
“Over recent years, I have witnessed the great reputation and success that Jamie and Shawn have built with Lighthouse Pictures and the quality of their work,” Martini said.
“I look forward to working with Jamie and the Lighthouse team to help produce some of our new shows and expanding the business together here in Canada and in other markets.”
In a joint statement, Goehring and Williamson termed the agreement a “milestone partnership,” and described Martini Studios as a “hotbed for major international productions.”
“It will significantly fuel our growth plans, as we continue producing content with our long-standing partners and attracting more projects to British Columbia,” they said.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Langley City’s first-ever film festival to return
According to Township of Langley figures, each year, more than $40 million is injected into the local Langley economy by movie makers and television producers.
With more than 1,000 film days per year, Langley is the number two location in B.C. for filming, after the city of Vancouver, according to Creative B.C., the independent provincial agency that encourages arts industries.