SAULT STE. MARIE – The Ontario government is providing more than $3.1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) towards seven film and television projects in Sault Ste. Marie. This investment will stimulate the local economy and help raise the profile of the production industry in Northern Ontario.
“We continue to make strategic investments through the NOHFC in the local film and television industry to help drive the local economy and solidify the North’s reputation as a top production destination,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “I am proud to support these seven locally-produced film and television projects.”
Film and television productions funded through the NOHFC include:
- $1 million for Darius Films Inc. to produce the film “Warrior Strong,” an inspirational sports story about a struggling high school basketball team, the Dumont Warriors
- $500,000 for 2663645 Ontario Inc. to produce the film “A Matter of Chance,” a comedy-drama with a mix of romance, revenge and laughs
- $500,000 for Tales From the Void Ltd. to produce “Tales From The Void,” an episodic horror anthology television series developed from some of the most viral horror stories on the internet
- $500,000 for Stardust Pictures Inc. to produce “Wing Man,” a comedy film based on a character who experiences life challenges including the loss of his fiancé to another man
- $453,206 for 1000477481 Ontario Inc. to produce the film “Magnetosphere,” a gentle comedy about growing up, told from a neurodiverse 13-year-old girl’s point of view
- $162,558 for Rusty Halo Productions Inc. to produce “Armchair Traveller,” a comedy film that follows the story of Charlie who is terrified of the outside world and engages the help of his neighbour Ethan to travel the world with him, without leaving the comfort of his living room
- $36,631 for Creator Economy Productions to produce “Creator Economy,” a documentary film that follows a group of Northern Ontario social media creators as they tell their stories about their social media success in a new era of social influence
“Our government is proud to support seven locally-produced film and television projects here in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We continue to make significant investments that drive the northern film and television industry, strengthen the local economy and put a spotlight on Northern Ontario’s world-class film and television industry.”
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 $762 million in 6,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,750 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
“Darius Films is grateful to have received NOHFC support for ‘Warrior Strong.’ Quite simply, we could not have made the film without it! In addition to the funding, NOHFC staff has provided invaluable assistance to us every step of the way, from the application process onwards. Our sincere thanks to the NOHFC and our host city of Sault Ste. Marie for being in the starting lineup of the ‘Warrior Strong’ team!” – Leah Jaunzems, Producer, Darius Films Inc.
“Rusty Halo Productions is grateful to the NOHFC for their continued support to grow the local film industry in Sault Ste Marie. Through these funds we have been able to hire full time, part time and seasonal cast and crew from Sault Ste Marie and across Northern Ontario. Our mission is to foster and grow talent in our local film, television and animation industry. We look forward to continuing to work with the NOHFC, the City of Sault Ste Marie and local government.” – Rebeka Herron, Producer, Writer, and Director, Rusty Halo Productions.
“Thank you to Ross Romano and NOHFC for providing funding and guidance. Without it we would not be able to highlight these impactful story’s of creators in the North in our documentary Creator Economy. Additionally, we are not only highlighting creators in the film, we are putting money back into our community by hiring local crew and spending at local businesses.” – Zack Trunzo, Director and Producer, Creator Economy Documentary.
Media Contacts
Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office 437-240-7317 curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca
Media Desk, Communications Branch mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca