Ontario Building Stronger Northern Film and Television Industry

Press Release

February 23, 2022

$11.4 million investment helps promote Northern Ontario as a top production centre

The Ontario government is providing over $11.4 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support the growing film and television industry in Northern Ontario. This investment will create jobs, attract talent and boost economic growth and diversification in communities across the North.

“Our government is committed to making targeted investments in growing and emerging sectors, such as the North’s film and television sector,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “Today’s funding is helping solidify the North’s reputation as a first-rate production centre in Canada and the world.”

A total of 27 projects are receiving NOHFC funding, including:

$1 million for Spinner Productions Inc. to produce the six-episode television series Shoresy in Sudbury
$500,000 for Sienna Films Productions XVIII Inc. to produce the feature film Happy Place in Parry Sound
$500,000 for 2821899 Ontario Inc. to produce the feature film Better Days in Sault Ste. Marie
$200,000 for Aki the Film Inc. to produce the non-verbal documentary Aki in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation
$61,850 for Film Riel Inc. to produce the docu-drama film Le tireur d’elite/The Sniper in Thunder Bay.

“Ontario is a world-class destination and leading player in the production of film and television in Canada and internationally,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “These investments will help maintain and grow Northern Ontario’s film and television industry — driving our economy, creating jobs and strengthening our unique cultural identity and pride of place.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects — big and small, rural and urban — that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $432 million in 4,025 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 6,200 jobs.

Quick Facts

In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Quotes

“We’re so honoured to have the continued support of the Ontario government on our new series, Shoresy, which has contributed to hundreds of jobs for Northern Ontario cast and crew.”

– Mark Montefiore
President and Executive Producer, Spinner Productions Inc.

“The Ontario government was instrumental in the financing of our feature film, Happy Place, which could not have been produced without its support. The production of feature films written, directed and produced by Canadians is essential to the creative and business growth of the industry, and the Ontario government is a key player in their continuation. These films provide a platform for our talented creators and producers to stretch themselves artistically while offering a training ground for emerging creative and technical crew members, building the future of the industry. We have found that some of the best crews work in Northern Ontario and shooting there is a wonderful respite from the usual hustle and bustle of downtown city shooting.”

– Elise Cousineau
Production Executive, Sienna Films Productions XVIII Inc.

“We are thrilled to be making our sixth movie in Sault Ste. Marie, a comedy called Better Days starring Sonja Smits. This movie would not have been possible without the kind and generous participation of the Ontario government. We are particularly happy to have so many northern residents as department heads, including production manager, production designer, costume designer, makeup department head and location manager, as well as several wonderful northern actors, including Sault Ste. Marie’s own Sara Hinding playing Sonja’s daughter.”

– David Gordian
Producer, 2821899 Ontario Inc.

“Funding from the Ontario government makes it possible to train and keep talented professionals working in our community instead of being obliged to move elsewhere in search of opportunities in film. Without Ontario government support we would not be able to produce high-quality productions that tell stories from or about Northwestern Ontario. As a result, Thunder Bay benefits from the Ontario government’s support for employment in our region as well as the social and economic benefits that accompany having our stories known across Canada and around the world.”

– Ron Harpelle
President, Film Riel Inc.

“Support from the Ontario government was critical to ensure Aki coming to reality. Films made from Indigenous perspectives are essential to telling Ontario’s story and to shaping the perspectives of generations. Aki will tell a story about a First Nations community in a way unlike any before. The grant from the Ontario government was essential in providing us with the means to create a solid foundation for the production of our film. Supported in the North. Made in the North!”

– Darlene Naponse
Producer, Aki the Film Inc.

Additional Resources