Northern film industry in full force, Timmins wants 'in'
Film productions are back to pre-pandemic levels, according to industry experts at Culture Industries Ontario North.
The organization's film programs supervisor, Rob Riselli, said tax breaks in the region are keeping production companies interested, with around 30 projects from independent productions to the occasional larger-budget film or TV show coming to the region.
"We're coordinating a scout at this moment for a project that's looking to shoot here next fall," Riselli said.
Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste Marie have been the more popular locations for productions, he said, due to their urban, suburban and 'quintessential' downtown looks.
Timmins has had some success this year as well, with two TV shows and a commercial filming in the city. Though the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) wants to bring even more lights, camera and action to its area.
"We're hoping that we can get a piece," said community development coordinator Noella Rinaldo.
"We have some infrastructure we need to build, but there's a way to start and we've started that process. So we're excited by the possibility of what can come."
Rinaldo said producers are coming to town next week to scout locations for a feature film.
The TEDC also launched a new Facebook page outlining its offerings for film and TV productions, where it can also post listings for acting roles and production crew jobs.
With the demand for content growing, especially during the pandemic, Riselli and Rinaldo said there is plenty of potential for the region's industry to grow.
"With streaming now and Amazon and Netflix doing movies, this really has opened up the potential for northern Ontario to be the place to be filming a production," said Rinaldo.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.