Record-breaking Year for Ontario’s Film and Television Industry

TORONTO — Ontario’s film and television industry had a record-breaking year in 2019, with 343 productions bringing in $2.16 billion in production spending for the economy and supporting 44,540 full-time equivalent direct and spin-off jobs. This represents an increase in production by almost 15 per cent from 2018 and more than 7,500 new jobs for Ontarians. 

Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries joined award-winning actress Wendy Crewson, award-winning director Sergio Navarretta, as well as industry leaders Jim Mirkopoulos (Cinespace Toronto), Justin Cutler (Ontario Creates), Theresa Tova (ACTRA), Peggy Kyriakidou and Jayson Mosek (UNIFOR), Angela Mastronardi and Monty Montgomerie (IATSE), and Michael Cerenzie and Jonathan Ahee (Stratagem Group) earlier this week to discuss the results.

“Ontario is open for business, open for jobs, and open to the film and television industry,” said Minister MacLeod. “These results show that we’re building a business-friendly climate where production companies and production service companies can grow.”

“In 2020, we are continuing to work with Ontario Creates and the industry to ensure producers at home and around the globe know that there’s no better place to create content than right here in Ontario,” added MacLeod.

Ontario is a leader in domestic film and television production, and is home to a booming foreign production sector. The economic and employment benefits of Ontario’s vibrant film and television industry are felt across the province, with popular and critically acclaimed productions like Cardinal and Letterkenny produced in Northern Ontario; Hilda in Ottawa; and Workin’ Moms, Kim’s Convenience and Star Trek: Discovery in the Greater Toronto Area. The Umbrella Academy, Schitt’s Creek and many others are filmed across Central and Southwestern Ontario.

“The government’s commitment to growing Ontario’s film and television industry means big business for Ontario and a globally competitive production scene,” says Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO, Ontario Creates. “Our suite of financial incentives, over 10,000 locations, world-class crews, diverse talent, award-winning post-production facilities, and expanding studio space are a huge draw for producers from Canada, the U.S. and around the world.”

Quick Facts

• There was a healthy balance between domestic and foreign production in 2019, with $1.1 billion in foreign production and $1 billion in domestic production.
• Jobs created by film and TV production in the province include: technicians (such as lighting, make-up, carpenters, set designers, set dressers and wardrobe experts), production managers and coordinators, location managers, craft services, post-production experts, accountants, performers and drivers.
• Ontario offers tax credits to support film and television production. These incentives play an important role in increasing economic activity and job creation in Ontario while also enhancing the province’s cultural profile.
• In February 2020, the government announced a Ministers’ Film and Television Advisory Panel which will provide evidence and advice to the government on industry trends, challenges and opportunities to grow high‐value film and television production in Ontario and maximize benefits for the province.

SOURCE Government of Ontario