Eastern Canada’s film and television industry is ready to roar back to life, fueled by the arrival of Amazon MGM Studios at Pinewood Toronto. In January 2024, the streaming giant secured a major deal, leasing five new soundstages and office space at the iconic studio, spanning 160,000 square feet. It’s a clear signal: The province of Ontario is open for business and eager to host the next wave of major productions.
“This is a huge vote of confidence in our province,” says Justin Cutler, Ontario’s Film Commissioner at Ontario Creates. With Amazon MGM already behind major hits like The Boys and Reacher, their commitment to Ontario solidifies the region’s reputation as a prime destination for big-budget productions. Ontario’s world-class crews, stunning locations, and enticing tax incentives are once again in the spotlight, setting the stage for a resurgence in film and TV projects.
The province had seen record-breaking production activity before the industry’s temporary slowdown. Now, with Hollywood ramping up post-strikes, Ontario’s top-tier infrastructure is ready to meet the demand. “Our value proposition remains as strong as ever,” says Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of Ontario Creates. “We’ve streamlined our tax credits and expanded regional incentives, positioning Ontario perfectly for this comeback.”
Recent changes to Ontario’s digital animation and visual effects tax credit, along with initiatives to encourage sustainable production practices and workforce diversity, have further strengthened the province’s appeal to both domestic and international filmmakers. Productions like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein for Netflix, currently filming at Cinespace Studios, showcase the readiness of Ontario’s studios to handle high-profile projects.
Magali Simard, Director of Industry and Community Relations at Cinespace, shares the industry’s optimism. “This is a reset year, and we’re feeling the energy,” Simard says. With expansions already in the works to add more soundstages and support space, Ontario is gearing up to handle even more large-scale productions in the coming years. “We’re expecting to be at full capacity, and we hope the entire city will be, too.”
Ontario’s well-established collaboration with U.S. producers is another advantage as Hollywood productions return. Jennifer Liscio, VP of Tax Incentives and Business Affairs at Entertainment Partners, underscores the value of Ontario’s simplified tax credits and the efforts to cut red tape. “Ontario is in a great position to maintain and grow its leadership in the market,” she says.
Even as the industry adjusts to post-strike budget pressures, Ontario’s production community is showing resilience. Local producers like Jennifer Holness, whose film 40 Acres premieres at TIFF 2024, are pushing creative boundaries and taking on new opportunities as they anticipate a surge in projects. “There’s a lot of interest in what we can do here,” Holness says, confident that Ontario is ready for what’s next.
As more productions gear up to return to the province, Ontario is building out its infrastructure with new studio spaces and training more crews to meet demand. With a focus on sustainable and innovative filmmaking practices, the province is primed to host a wide range of projects — from blockbuster productions to independent films — ensuring that Ontario remains a key player in the global production landscape.
With Hollywood getting back on track, Ontario is ready to step up. Its combination of tax incentives, talented workforce, and cutting-edge facilities makes it the perfect place for producers looking to bring their next big project to life. The stage is set, the lights are on, and Ontario is ready to welcome film and TV productions once again.
