Collaboration is key for the City of North Bay and its many partners when it comes to the local multi-million-dollar television and film industry.
A new initiative — a directory of goods and services designed to connect local businesses to the film and television industry players — launched Friday, the culmination of a partnership between the City, the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism North Bay.
Film production is big business, as seen by the local economic impact of more than $31 million this year and is still considered a growing industry in the region despite a blip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Activity picked back up in North Bay and area this year with 17 productions and a total of 207 filming days at 87 different locations.
See related: $150M film deal for northern Ontario
Both businesses and productions are poised to benefit from the directory. From retail and restaurants to specialty items, esthetics and healthcare services, the guide will direct visiting cast and crew members to local businesses interested in forming and maintaining business relationships within the industry. The new listing will also showcase the growing local filming infrastructure services and providers.
“We’ve been working hard to support the film and television industry over the past number of years because we know the important role that it can play in helping to grow the City’s economy and culture,” said Mayor Al McDonald at a media event, Friday. “The industry has created local employment opportunities and businesses like hotels, restaurants, gas stations and hardware stores all benefit whenever film productions come to town.”
The new guide will be launched in early 2022 and made available to productions that plan to begin filming in the area in the spring. Businesses interested in having their products or services included in the guide are invited to register here.
North Bay's film industry success is also seen as a partnership among the levels of government.
“The film production guide is a win-win for our local economy and the film and TV industry,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. “Our region has seen millions in economic spin-off. That is why our government is committed to ensuring that Ontario is open for the film and TV industry to do business by providing investments through the Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation and assistance with their tax credit eligibility.”
See also: Film industry incentives are the gifts that keep on giving
“Local businesses and the film and television companies that have chosen to come to the region of Nipissing-Timiskaming for their production will be working together,” said Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota. “The film and television industry is a growing sector for our area and partnerships like this are key to maintaining that growth and momentum allowing everyone to prosper.”
And: Major funding for film in North Bay
As part of the ongoing effort to support local businesses and continue to attract film and television productions, the City of North Bay’s Economic Development Department has released a new video showcasing the variety of local industry supports and growing infrastructure:
“Every dollar spent in the district from this industry is great for the local business community and we are thrilled to be partnering on this initiative,” shared NBDCC President and CEO Peter Chirico.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Steve Dreany offered, “Tourism North Bay recognizes the contribution of the film industry to North Bay’s economy, and more specifically, the hospitality industry. It is for this reason that we are pleased to partner with the City of North Bay and the Chamber of Commerce
to provide this resource to link production companies and film-friendly businesses.”
