Ontario Celebrates $1.5 Billion Year in Film and Television Industry

This past year was Ontario’s film and television industry’s best year ever, contributing $1.5 billion to the province’s economy and supporting almost 32,500 full-time direct and associated jobs.

“The 2015 numbers confirm that Ontario continues to be the number one choice in Canada for film and TV production, reinforcing our reputation as a world-class hub for the screen-based industries,” Michael Coteau, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said in a press release issued on March 9, 2016. “I am proud of our government’s continued support for this important sector that is key to our economic and cultural vitality — and creates good jobs for Ontarians.”

According to the Government of Ontario, the record-breaking 2015 film and TV production statistics reinforce Ontario’s reputation as a world-class production centre.

During the 12 months of 2015, Ontario saw:

1. An increase of almost 4,500 full-time direct and associated jobs over the previous year
2. The fifth consecutive year that film and TV productions supported by the province contributed more than one billion dollars to Ontario’s economy
3. Domestic production numbers accounting for half of the total spending on film and TV
4. An increase in foreign spending, led by a strong TV sector, of 52 per cent over the previous year, contributing $763 million to the province’s economy compared to about $503 million in 2014
5. Work on award-winning TV productions including Murdoch Mysteries, and Academy Award® winning films Room and Spotlight occurring in Ontario.

Supporting a vibrant film and TV industry is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education.

“We are delighted by the continued outstanding performance of the film and television industry,” said Karen Thorne-Stone, the President and CEO, Ontario Media Development Corporation. “Ontario’s ‘total package’ of government support, competitive financial incentives, world-class infrastructure, superb talent, and diverse locations attracts high-end foreign production and ensures a strong and stable domestic industry that is respected around the world.”

Did you know:

1. Every $1 million of film and TV production in Ontario generates 21 full-time direct and associated jobs.
2. Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested approximately $119 million in program support to the screen-based industries.
3. Ontario is the number one film and TV production centre in Canada and the third largest by volume in North America, behind California and New York.

To find out how you can gain the education needed to be a part of this vibrant industry, click here.