Montreal movie studio MELS scaling up with $53M expansion

A new construction project aims to direct film crews working on the next blockbuster to Montreal.

Mels Studios and Postproduction (MELS), a subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., announced plans July 16 for new film studio in the city’s secteur Bridge-Bonaventure.

Upfront construction costs total $53 million, while spending on equipment is expected to tally $23 million over the next decade.

Work on the new 160,000 sq. ft. facility, known as MELS 4, is scheduled to get underway shortly. More than one-third of the site will be dedicated studio space with 50-foot ceilings. Staging areas, workshops, as well as production and other office space is also planned.

Movies are expected to begin shooting at the new studio in spring 2023.