Government Invests $3.2 Million in Northern Ontario Film Industry 

The Ontario government has taken a significant step to boost the film industry in northern Ontario by investing $3.2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). This funding will support five film projects shooting in Sudbury, further positioning the region as a premier destination for film production in Canada. 

NOHFC: Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation 

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a key government initiative aimed at promoting economic growth, job creation, and workforce development across northern Ontario. By providing targeted financial support to local industries, the NOHFC plays a pivotal role in driving regional economic development and ensuring that northern communities thrive. 

Funding Breakdown: Supporting Local Productions 

The $3.2 million investment is allocated across five film projects, each contributing to the growth of the local film industry: 

• Fella Films and Woods Entertainment Canada: Each company receives $1 million to produce the movies Ballistic and Violence, respectively. 
• Hangar 18 Media and Next Phase Motion Pictures: Both companies are awarded $500,000 each to produce Deathstalker and Ripping off Othello. 
• Fittonia Productions: Receives $227,206 to produce Rêver en Néon. 

This strategic allocation of funds not only supports the creation of diverse film projects but also enhances the region’s capacity to attract future productions. 

Economic Impact: Beyond the Film Set 

The benefits of this investment extend beyond the film sets. Sudbury-based film producer David Anselmo highlights how productions contribute to the local economy by spending on services such as car rentals, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and even small businesses like flower shops. These expenditures create a positive ripple effect, benefiting various sectors within the region. 

“When a film or a television series comes to town to shoot, they are spending a dollar here and a dollar there, between car rentals, hotels, restaurants it adds up. Even taking over a local flower shop to shoot a scene as we did years ago, and then we continued to keep our business at that shop, having them do all our subsequent flower arrangements.”

David Anselmo

Anselmo attributes this economic boost to the NOHFC’s support, which enables film companies to choose northern Ontario as their production location. The relationship between film productions and local businesses often leads to long-term partnerships, providing lasting value to the community. 

Strengthening Sudbury’s Profile as a Film Hub 

Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development, Greg Rickford, emphasizes the broader impact of the NOHFC’s modernized programs. By attracting production partnerships, these programs provide communities like Sudbury with the opportunity to showcase their natural beauty on a global stage. This exposure enhances the region’s reputation as a film production hub, drawing attention from filmmakers worldwide. 

Toronto-based producer William Woods, who is producing the movie Violence, acknowledges the crucial role of NOHFC funding in bringing his project to life. He shares that while searching for the perfect filming location, Sudbury not only emerged as the ideal choice but also became a source of inspiration for the film’s setting. This underscores the importance of government funding in helping filmmakers realize their creative visions. 

Access Government Funding for Your Industry 

The Ontario government’s $3.2 million investment in the northern Ontario film industry is a testament to the power of targeted government funding. By supporting film productions in Sudbury, the NOHFC is fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting the region’s unique landscapes and communities on a global scale. This strategic investment not only benefits the film industry but also strengthens the overall economic fabric of northern Ontario, making it a vibrant and thriving region for years to come. 

At Mentor Works, A Ryan Company, we can help secure government funding for creative projects. Eligible business can receive up to 50-83% cost coverage across training programs, and there are multiple program options! Contact us to learn more and determine your eligibility. 

With different training grants opening and closing throughout the year, it is crucial to write your applications early to ensure funding success. Our guide on When to Apply for Funding is designed to help support your team plan your funding strategy and ensure you never miss a deadline. Download a free copy today!