Toronto film productions see 25 per cent boost

Sep 24, 2012 | News

On the set of Saw VII, at Toronto’s Metro Hall. Toronto saw a 25 percent increase in production spending in 2011. COURTESY WIKICOMMONS

By Matt Creed

An increase in film productions in Toronto in 2011 could mean more jobs for Humber film and television grads.

“Both last year and this year, there has been more productions in Ontario than ever before,” said Michael Glassbourg, program coordinator for Humber’s film and television program, in an interview with Humber News. “And that means there are more jobs than ever before and they need skilled workers in the film and television industry.”

Glassbourg is referring to a recent report released by the Toronto Film and Television Office detailing a 25 percent increase in production spending in Toronto in 2011 over 2010, in which the city has seen revenue upwards of $1.13 billion.

He said the reason for the recent upswing, which after eight years of declining numbers began to turn around last year, is a collaborative effort by both the Ontario government and the film industry in Toronto.

“Both the Toronto Film and Television Office, and the Ontario Media Development Corporation are easy to work with – the unions are easy to work with, and the government film office is really easy to work with and eager to help productions find solutions shooting in and around Toronto and Ontario,” said Glassbourg.

Eric Jensen, manager of the Toronto Film and Television office, said it’s not only how well the city works with film productions, but what the city has to offer in terms of production value that is most attractive.

“It’s a combination of the fact that Toronto is, not only a cosmopolitan city, but a full service production jurisdiction,” Jensen told Humber News. “We have state of the art studios and production facilities, combined with 30 plus A-list crews.”

With more big budget productions expected to make their way to what is often referred to as “Hollywood to the north,” Jensen said the goal right now is to continue building the industry.

“We have a lot of people in a lot of organizations, and others working for the government, working collaboratively and cooperatively so that we continue to grow and sustain,” he said.