In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, Northern Ontario has emerged as a surprising and resilient player. While Hollywood reels from various shocks and shifts, this region has stepped up to the plate, showcasing its unique advantages and adaptability.
The Rise of Northern Ontario
The film and TV industry in Ontario has not been immune to external pressures, from labor strikes to the rise and fall of streaming platforms. However, the province's diverse locations, competitive incentives, and skilled labor force have created a buffer against these challenges.
Cities and towns across Northern Ontario have undergone a remarkable transformation, moving away from traditional industries like mining and manufacturing towards hosting major film and TV productions. This shift has presented logistical hurdles, but these communities have risen to the occasion, leveraging their natural beauty and infrastructure to attract productions.
Incentives and Infrastructure
One of the key drivers of this success is the region's ability to offer significant financial incentives. Provincial and federal tax credits, combined with currency savings and government rebates, create a powerful incentive for productions to choose Northern Ontario. David Anselmo, CEO of Banner Hideaway Pictures, emphasizes that while beautiful locations are essential, it's the incentives that seal the deal.
The province's confidence in its production ecosystem is evident. Joanne Loton, Kingston's film commissioner, highlights the city's ability to stand in for other locations, such as Maine, while offering better incentives that benefit production budgets and profitability. This competitive advantage has attracted notable projects, including the Peacock miniseries ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ and Amazon's ‘The Greatest’, which utilized the historic Kingston Penitentiary.
Economic Benefits and Cultural Stories
The economic impact of filming outside Toronto is further bolstered by initiatives like the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHF), which provides grants to producers filming in the province's northern regions. This fund, combined with existing tax credits, has contributed significantly to bringing productions like the Paramount medical drama ‘SkyMed’ and the third season of ‘When Hope Calls’ to the region.
Patrick O'Hearn, executive director of Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION), emphasizes the region's ability to offer a diverse range of locations and talent, challenging the notion of a single central hub for production. Sudbury, in particular, has been a hub of activity, with recent shoots showcasing its natural landscape and infrastructure. Clayton Drake, Sudbury's film officer, highlights the city's ability to offer both industrial settings and breathtaking natural beauty, providing a unique experience for above-the-line talent.
The region's natural beauty has been a key selling point, as seen in Guillermo del Toro's ‘Frankenstein’, which utilized the icy Lake Nipissing to depict the Arctic. Tyler Levine, producer on ‘All My Puny Sorrows’, also praised North Bay's small-town charm and stunning Lake Nipissing, which offered a refreshing change of pace for the production team.
Farther south, Parry Sound offered a convenient yet picturesque location for Megan Park's ‘My Old Ass’, showcasing the Muskokas' forested landscapes and lakeside cottages. The proximity to Toronto made it an ideal choice, with economic development officer Jeff Thom noting that it's “relatively speaking, not that far.”
Looking Ahead
As the industry navigates potential disruptions, Northern Ontario is actively exploring collaboration and diversification. The threat of strikes and proposed tariffs has jurisdictions seeking alternative production models, including treaty co-productions with countries like Ireland. The region is also investing in homegrown talent, with filmmakers like Lisa Jackson and Tricia Black telling stories that showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural significance.
Tricia Black's ‘The B-Side: Dusk’, for example, utilizes the geological drama of the Canadian Shield, a 4-billion-year-old rock formation, to tell a found footage horror comedy. This unique approach highlights the region's ability to offer both stunning locations and compelling stories.
In conclusion, Northern Ontario's rise as a film and TV production hub is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and unique selling points. With its combination of natural beauty, skilled talent, and competitive incentives, the region has carved out a significant place for itself in the entertainment industry, offering a welcome buffer against the challenges faced by Hollywood and beyond.
