TORONTO – On-location filming in Toronto by film and television production companies generated approximately $1.2 billion for the city in 2012, according to a report presented to Toronto’s Economic Development Committee.
That figure represents a 5.9% increase over the previous year, and the second consecutive year total production spending in Toronto has exceeded $1billion. The last time the film production industry reached these spending levels was in 2002, before factors such as the SARS outbreak in 2003, a global recession and a falling US dollar took their toll on local TV and film production.
Production spending in 2012 increased in all categories, including major productions, commercials, music videos and animation, according to the report prepared by the City of Toronto’s general manager, economic development and culture.
Major productions filmed in Toronto in 2012, including films such as Pacific Rim from Legendary Pictures, topped $1 billion for the first time, increasing by nearly 6% from 2011. Domestic production reached $500 million for the first time, increasing by 17% from the previous year. Animation production also increased by 12.5% from 2011.
“The level and variety of success experienced by Toronto’s screen-based industry in 2012 is phenomenal,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), chair of Toronto's Economic Development Committee, in a statement. “This growth shows that Toronto”s film sector is consistently attracting business in multiple areas and from both Canadian and U.S. companies.”
The city’s Economic Development Committee made a recommendation to City Council to honour the efforts of industry companies and organizations, including FilmOntario and the Ontario Media Development Corporation, at its May meeting to highlight their contributions to Toronto’s economy. The report says Toronto’s screen-based industry, which comprises production, financial, business and professional service companies, suppliers, unions and guilds, employs 25,000 full-time workers.
