Ontario Increasing its Investment in North Bay’s Film and Television Production Industry

Posted on May 19, 2023

NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to four North Bay film productions. This investment will help create industry jobs, showcase northern talent and raise the profile of the film and television industry in Northern Ontario.

“Our government is proud to continue providing targeted investments to support the film and television industry in Northern Ontario, which continues to create good jobs and develop skilled local talent,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Today’s funding is helping solidify the North’s reputation as a first-rate production centre in North America and the world.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

  • $500,000 for Boy In The Woods Film Inc. to produce the film The Boy In The Woods
  • $500,000 for Carpe Dee Yum Productions Inc. to produce the film Seeds
  • $500,000 for Drive Back Home Productions Inc. to produce the film Drive Back Home
  • $500,000 for KM Romance Swing Productions Inc. to produce the film Swing Into Romance.

“With investments like the ones we are celebrating today, we are putting a spotlight on Northern Ontario’s film and television industry,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Our government is committed to strengthening this important sector in support of our northern economy.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $639 million in 5,265 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,420 jobs.

Quick Facts

  • The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.
  • The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and TV series.

Additional Resources

Quotes

"When industry and government work together, sustainability happens. This has always been our experience working with MPP Fedeli. The government has incentive programs that support creative industries in the North. Creative industries previously didn’t get this level of assistance or attention, both of which MPP Fedeli offers and the industry recognizes and appreciates." – Jennifer Jonas, Producer, Carpe Dee Yum Productions Inc.

"It is an incredible feeling to be involved in such a booming industry, right here in my own backyard. These films have not only impacted my life and the lives of the thousands of local cast and crew over the years, but also the many northern communities we have had the privilege of basing our productions out of. We are so grateful for the NOHFC and MPP Fedeli, as these films would never happen without their support. It has allowed many people, just like me, to not only start a new career path, but a successful one at that, and in an industry that we are so passionate about." – Kelly Martin, Producer, KM Romance Swing Productions Inc.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office -- 437-240-7317 -- curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch -- mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca