TORONTO – Economic data released today by the Motion Picture Association – Canada says Warner Bros.' movie It Chapter Two, which was released today, weekend, spent more than $56.4 million in the province of Ontario when it was being made.
The production supported over 500 Ontario-based businesses from more than 80 communities across the province and spent over $25.9 million on the purchase of local goods and services, says the MPAC press release. Key spending included:
• $1.7 million on construction and lumber supplies;
• $1.4 million on catering, bakery goods and other food items;
• $1.3 million on hotels and accommodations; and
• $1.9 million on location fees paid to households, businesses and community venues where the production was filmed; as well as city, county and government permit fees
It Chapter Two filmed in numerous communities across southern Ontario, once again transforming the small town of Port Hope into the fictional Derry, Maine, and also filmed in the Elora Quarry Conservation Area; The Scottish Rite Club in Hamilton; Audley Park in Ajax; Congregation Knesseth lsrael (the Junction ShuI) Synagogue in Toronto; and The Mandarin Restaurant in Mississauga-Malton
In 86 days of shooting, the production hired over 7,800 Ontario cast and crew and spent more than $30 million on local payroll and labour alone.
The behind-the-scenes creative team included Ontario filmmakers like Oscar-winning production designer Paul Denham Austerberry ('The Shape of Water"), and Oscar-nominated costume designer Luis Sequeira ('The Shape of Water," "Mama").
"It was great to be back in Ontario, working in beautiful locations from Elora to Port Hope," said Kate Beyda, executive vice president, physical production, New Line Cinema, in the release. "Once again, Ontario's talented crews and gracious host communities helped make this production experience a resounding success."
“The data released today demonstrates the significant boost a single production… can deliver for the provincial economy; and for communities where filming takes place," added Wendy Noss, president of the MPAC.
