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It may be the most successful and beloved Canadian TV series of the last 10 years, but the Corner Gas movie still got off the ground almost exclusively thanks to government funding.

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Nearly 75% of its $8.5-million budget — about $6,285,000 — is in the form of federal and provincial dollars, according to a preliminary budget filed with the Saskatchewan government.

Virginia Thompson, the movie’s executive producer, said making it would not have been possible without government support.

“We’re kind of a big event, we’re a special project, and this project wouldn’t have happened without the support of the province, so we’re thrilled the province came to bat,” she said, adding the funding structure was “not unusual.”

Financial details were revealed last week in an Order in Council filed to Saskatchewan, approving a $1,475,000 grant to the movie from Tourism Saskatchewan’s Event Hosting Program.