A record-breaking year in the world of film and television production has not just Ontario booming, but we’re seeing the effects here at home as well.
The industry had a huge year in Ontario in 2019, with 343 productions bringing in $2.16 billion in spending for the economy and supporting 44,540 full-time equivalent direct and spin-off jobs.
That boom has been felt in Barrie, too, where an increase in production permits is being seen.
City of Barrie manager of recreation and culture services Steve Lee Young told BarrieToday that the hot production market in Ontario is being seen here at home, as demand for Barrie is on the rise.
“It varies from year to year, but there’s definitely been an increase in the last few years,” he said. "We used to issue one or two permits per year and now we are doing about eight to 11. They vary from student projects and commercials to TV shows, documentaries, and films.”
The city has a permit process for any filming that takes place on public property, impacts public property (parking or road closures), or affects nearby residents and businesses.
Young said the numbers above would not include any filming taking place inside or on public property with no effect to surrounding public property or residents.
Young said he couldn’t point to the exact reason why there's more demand to film in the city, but Barrie has many assets that could lead film crews to want to film here.
“It is hard for us to say exactly why Barrie is being chosen more for locations,” said Young. “Some reasons could include our older downtown that can still have a small-town feel with access to businesses that support the filming industry. Our beautiful waterfront and parks, access to nearby attractions, easy access to Highway 400 and proximity to Toronto.”
Jobs created by film and TV production in the province include more than just actors. There are also technicians, such as lighting, make-up, carpenters, set designers, set dressers and wardrobe experts, as well as production managers and co-ordinators, location managers, craft services, post-production experts, accountants, performers and drivers.
