Despite Hollywood’s current standstill due to ongoing strikes in Los Angeles, Ontario’s film industry remains optimistic about resuming its role as a premium production hub for Hollywood film and TV shoots. Ontario Creates executives, Karen Thorne-Stone and Justin Cutler, are actively working to ensure a smooth return of American productions to the province.
Before the strikes disrupted the industry, Ontario had seen record production activity, prompting significant infrastructure expansion. With the strikes on the path to resolution, Thorne-Stone and Cutler discuss their preparations for the return of American productions in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
What preparations have been made for Hollywood’s return to Ontario after the strikes?
Thorne-Stone: We are actively promoting Ontario as a high-quality film jurisdiction. Studio development, workforce training, and sustainability measures are ongoing to ensure we’re ready to welcome productions when they return.
Are you already receiving inquiries from American productions eager to resume filming in Ontario?
Thorne-Stone: Scouting levels suggest that business will return strongly.
Cutler: We’ve seen high scouting levels, indicating considerable interest in returning to Ontario. We’ve been using this time to improve our infrastructure and sustainability efforts, making us a more cost-competitive option.
Will American productions spend less due to budget constraints when they return, or will they take advantage of tax credits and cost savings?
Justin: We can’t predict studio budgets, but Ontario offers a compelling value proposition with its talent pool, crews, tax incentives, and sustainability measures, which can help productions cut costs.
Thorne-Stone: Our depth in infrastructure and talent capacity keeps costs competitive. Environmental initiatives can even help productions save money.
Cutler: We’ve also worked to enhance municipal film offices, making it easier to do business in various communities, which adds to our cost-competitive advantage.
Has the absence of American production in Ontario allowed you to focus on infrastructure improvements?
Cutler: While mindful of the strikes, we’re creating employment opportunities for aspiring professionals and offering professional development to enhance our existing workforce.
Thorne-Stone: The business aspect of the industry at events like the Toronto Film Festival remains strong, allowing us to concentrate on development initiatives.
How are you addressing workforce development to ensure there’s enough local talent and crews for American productions post-strikes?
Cutler: We’ve identified industry gaps and launched new training programs. Initiatives like partnerships with educational institutions and job fairs in various regions have attracted and partially trained potential workers for production.
What’s being done to inform young people that long-term careers are available in the film industry?
Cutler: We’re expanding job opportunities in the industry and highlighting its stability. We emphasize that these are well-paying jobs with support from unions in Ontario, creating a future for professionals.
Can American productions returning to Ontario be confident in finding enough skilled local talent and crews?
Cutler: Even in our busiest times, we met demand. Our goal is to future-proof the industry and ensure we have the studio space and skilled workforce needed.
Thorne-Stone: We believe we have the capacity and are working to stay ahead of growth.
What progress has been made in Ontario’s Green Screen initiative and sustainability efforts?
Cutler: We aim to reduce carbon footprints and create a circular economy. We’ve initiated projects to rescue materials from sets, developed a grid tie-in to reduce fuel use, and partnered with organizations like Second Harvest to redistribute food from sets to those in need.
Ontario’s animation and visual effects sector is thriving. How has infrastructure development contributed to this?
Thorne-Stone: Ontario’s appeal lies in offering everything from pre-visualization to post-production services with top-tier animation and visual effects companies. Co-productions and ventures with these companies are growing.
Ontario is strong in virtual production. Can you elaborate on the province’s role in this space?
Cutler: We have two virtual production stages used by commercial productions, not just film and TV. Smaller companies also offer this technology to independent and smaller productions. Mobile units are available for flexibility.
Ontario is among the top five production hubs in North America. How important is it for returning Americans to recognize Ontario’s continued growth?
Thorne-Stone: It’s crucial. We’ve recently expanded our tax credits to include online-only productions, demonstrating our commitment to remain competitive and leaders in the field.
In summary, Ontario’s film industry is well-prepared to welcome back American productions once the strikes are resolved, with a focus on infrastructure, talent development, sustainability, and cost competitiveness. Ontario aims to maintain its status as a top production hub in North America.