The province has given another big boost to the film industry in both North Bay and across northeastern Ontario today with a large funding announcement Friday morning via Zoom.
Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MPP announced that the Ontario government is providing more than $7.3 million to support the film and television industry in northeastern Ontario. This investment is expected to create jobs and promote economic development in North Bay, Sudbury, and surrounding areas.
“Our government is proud to support the film and television industry in northeastern Ontario, which continues to create good jobs and develop skilled local talent,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing.
“As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, helping northern production and post-production projects succeed is more important than ever.”
Of the $7.3 million delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, a total of $1.95 million will impact productions within the North Bay area including:
- $750,000 for Strategem RX to produce the feature film Lakewood
- $500,000 for Christmas Films 2020 to produce the feature film Tiny Home Christmas
- $500,000 for DNV Productions to produce the feature film A Dog Named Valentine
- $200,000 for Game Theory Films Inc. in North Bay to establish a space for film productions
“The financial support of the NOHFC and the beauty of North Bay was instrumental in bringing this Naomi Watts project to Northern Ontario. We are grateful to the Government's commitment to the Film sector on all levels, to the NOHFC for financially supporting our film, and to the Economic Development Office in North Bay for their unwavering support and help facilitating an amazing production experience,” said Alex Lalonde, COO of Lakewood Producer and Stratagem Rx.
“We look forward to coming back for several projects we have in the pipeline. We are also thrilled to announce that Lakewood has been accepted to TIFF and will screen in the Special Presentation Category this fall.”
Of the other northeastern Ontario projects, Get 'er Done Productions 6 inc. will be receiving $2.8 million to produce season six of the popular Letterkenny TV series which has been filmed in the Sudbury area.
“Our government is making targeted investments in growing and emerging sectors, such as the north’s film and television industry,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.
“Today’s investments will help local businesses expand and innovate while broadening economic diversification and expediting development.”
