TORONTO – Ontario Creates, an agency of the Ontario government, announced yesterday record-breaking statistics for film and television production in the province.
“Ontario reported its highest production levels to date with 394 productions bringing in $2.88 billion in production spending for the economy,” a press release says. “In addition to dollar value, these figures represent over 48,000 full-time equivalent direct and spin-off jobs, which is an increase of 38 per cent or 18,468 jobs from 2020.”
These numbers are a conservative representation of only the money spent in the province on domestic and foreign film and TV productions during the 2021 calendar year. Part of the increase is due to recovery from the pandemic, with the remainder being attributed to new growth in production, according to the release.
Ontario Creates reported domestic TV production in 2021 was “particularly robust”, with 115 productions that contributed more than $707 million in expenditures.
“We are thrilled to see Ontario’s film and television industry leading the province’s economic recovery,” said Karen Thorne-Stone, president and CEO at Ontario Creates, in the press release. “These figures are a testament to our robust health and safety protocols, impressive suite of financial incentives, ongoing studio space expansion, diverse talent pool, and an unmatched range of film-friendly locations.”
“The government’s commitment to growing Ontario’s film and television industry means big business for Ontario,” said Lisa MacLeod, minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries.
“Ontario offers a safe, business-friendly environment where productions can thrive, good jobs can grow, and great content gets made – there is no better place to create content than right here in Ontario.”
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