Over the past decade, the film industry in Northern Ontario has become one of the key drivers in economic growth.
Lara Fielding, the city's manager of tourism and culture, shared that Sudbury was host to 10 productions, 365 days of filming, $11 million in local spending, and with 53 per cent local crews who are retained from the community. “Northern Ontario is a real film hub since 2012,” said Fielding. “With the changing landscape in television with streaming opportunities, it puts us in a great position to increase activity.”
Meanwhile, Justin L. Levine, a Hollywood/Toronto film producer, has taken ownership of the CTV building in downtown Sault Ste. Marie with plans to turn it into film and television production space. The producer worked with Sault Ste. Marie-based 180 Sisterhood Productions on their 2021 movie "A Christmas Letter".
“They were in shock and awe that everything was 10 minutes away,” explained Rinaldo, regarding the response they received from film crews on the time and money saved getting to multiple locations. “We are excited to see potential.”