NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $3.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) towards four film and television projects in North Bay. This investment will stimulate the local economy and help raise the profile of the production industry in Northern Ontario.

“Our government will continue to invest in the film and television industry here in Nipissing to help drive the local economy,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Film and television productions like “SkyMed” help put Northern Ontario on the map and provide the opportunity to showcase our culture, geography and talent.”

Film and television productions funded through the NOHFC include:

• $2 million for SkyMed Three Ontario Inc. to produce Season 3 of “SkyMed,” a character-driven medical television drama that follows the triumphs, heartbreaks and breakdowns of budding nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in remote Northern Canada
• $500,000 for Hideaway Pictures Inc. to produce “Royal Christmas Ball,” a feature film where the main character takes a DNA test that leads her to visit the small European country over Christmas break in search of her heritage
• $500,000 for CastNorth Productions Inc. to produce “Aurora Christmas,” which follows the story of a woman in search of new inspiration, who joins her dad for a Christmas getaway in his childhood town of Aurora in the Northwest Territories, known for amazing displays of the northern lights
• $500,000 for Fela Ocu Inc. to produce “Sweetness,” a theatrical feature film that follows an insecure teenage girl who finds solace in the music of “Floorplan” and becomes entangled in a dangerous pursuit to save the lead singer from drug addiction, leading to unsettling consequences

“Our government is proud to support four locally-produced film and television projects here in North Bay,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We continue to make significant investments that propel the northern film and television industry forward, strengthen the local economy and solidify the North’s reputation as a top production destination.”

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 $790 million in 6,464 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,930 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

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices
  and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Quotes

“It’s been a remarkable experience filming SkyMed in North Bay! The funding from the NOHFC has been crucial for this project. We’ve been able to showcase the beauty of the region worldwide and boost the local economy, create jobs and open up opportunities that reach beyond the screen. With stunning landscapes as our backdrop and the hard work of our local crews, SkyMed’s story comes to life, blending the dedication of our team with the magic of cinema.” – Vanessa Piazza, Executive producer of “SkyMed’ and President of Piazza Entertainment

“I would like to thank the NOHFC and Minister Fedeli for the continued support of our film and television projects in Northern Ontario. It is through this support we can continue to grow the industry and contribute to the economic development of our region. This support allows us to train and retain the talent in Northern Ontario to support the ever-growing pan-northern film community, and allows us the opportunity to introduce up-and-coming talent in our region.” – Micheline Blais, President, CastNorth Produtions Inc.

“After visiting North Bay for the first time as a possible shooting location, we knew there was nowhere else to shoot this film. The energy and enthusiasm we felt for the film and the growing industry in the North are palpable and wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of MPP Fedeli and everyone at the NOHFC. We’re excited to show the world what North Bay helped us create and to come back in the future and do it all again.” – Taj Critchlow and Daniel Quinn, Producers, “Sweetness”

Media Contacts

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

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