In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, it's fascinating to witness the rise of Northern Ontario as a production hub. This region, with its unique blend of natural beauty, diverse locations, and strategic incentives, is stepping up to fill the void left by Hollywood's recent pullback.
The Rise of Northern Ontario
The film and TV business in Ontario has faced its fair share of challenges, from labor strikes to the rise and fall of streaming platforms. However, the region beyond Toronto has emerged as a resilient and attractive destination for productions.
Cities like Sudbury, Kingston, and North Bay are embracing the opportunity to host major shoots, leveraging their natural landscapes, strong infrastructure, and competitive incentives. As David Anselmo, CEO of Banner Hideaway Pictures, puts it, "Incentives are what help close the deal."
A Proven Production Ecosystem
The province's incentives, including tax credits and government rebates, are a significant draw. With a bonus tax credit rate of 45%, Northern Ontario is becoming a compelling choice for producers. As Anselmo notes, "We're no longer selling a theory; we're offering a proven production ecosystem."
This confidence is evident across the region. Joanne Loton, Kingston's film commissioner, highlights the city's ability to stand in for other locations, like Maine, with better incentives that benefit production budgets and profitability.
Economic Benefits and Cultural Stories
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHF) further sweetens the deal, offering grants to producers filming in the region's northern reaches. This fund, combined with existing provincial and federal film tax credits, has attracted significant productions like the Paramount medical drama SkyMed and the Hallmark series When Hope Calls.
Patrick O'Hearn, executive director of Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION), emphasizes the region's potential: "We can use the full province and all of this great country to make amazing film and television."
Sudbury, in particular, has been active, hosting shoots for various projects, including Jason Biggs' directorial debut and the body horror feature The Pond. The city's natural landscape, from lakes to wilderness, offers a unique draw for productions and talent alike.
The Power of Natural Beauty
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a prime example of how Northern Ontario's natural beauty can enhance a production. The film utilized the icy surface of Lake Nipissing near North Bay to create the Arctic's frozen expanse. Producer J. Miles Dale notes, "North Bay was perfect for that."
Tyler Levine, producer on All My Puny Sorrows, also praises North Bay's small-town charm and the ease of moving between locations. "The people are uniquely kind and accommodating," he says.
Farther south, Megan Park shot her film My Old Ass in the Muskokas, just a short drive from Toronto. The location offered a peaceful and scenic backdrop for the fantasy drama.
Looking Ahead
As the entertainment industry faces potential disruptions, Northern Ontario is actively exploring collaboration and diversification. The region is considering treaty co-productions with countries like Ireland and interprovincial filming to enhance its resilience.
Additionally, the region is investing in homegrown storytellers, like director Lisa Jackson, who is working on a documentary about cultural survival and renewal in a remote reserve in northwestern Ontario.
Tricia Black, another Canadian filmmaker, is also drawing inspiration from the region's unique geological features for her found footage horror comedy The B-Side: Dusk.
In conclusion, Northern Ontario's rise as a production hub is a testament to its ability to adapt and offer unique value to the entertainment industry. With its natural beauty, diverse locations, and strategic incentives, the region is poised to continue attracting major productions and telling compelling stories.
