[1]Ontario’s film and television industry recorded its best year ever in 2011 contributing $1.26 billion to the provincial economy – a $300 million increase or 31% over the previous year – according to figures compiled by the Ontario Media Development Corporation [1] and announced today in remarks at the Economic Club of Canada by OMDC President and CEO Karen Thorne-Stone. It was the strongest performance since 2000 ($1.01 billion) and the highest since the agency started keeping records in 1986.
The $1.26 billion in production activity accounted for almost 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs. The increase was led by domestic spending which accounted for $852.1 million in total, a 32% increase over 2010’s figure of $646.2 million. Foreign spending was also up contributing $412.9 million total – a 30% increase over the previous year’s $318.1 million.
“The McGuinty government celebrates the success of Ontario’s creative industries as we are committed to creating jobs and a stronger economy,” stated Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport [2] for Ontario. “We are proud to partner with our film and television industry, continuing to foster an innovative, competitive climate that will drive Ontario forward as a leader in the global market.”
Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO, Ontario Media Development Corporation added that “We are delighted by the outstanding performance of the film and television industry. It is a testimonial to the fact that Ontario offers a ‘total package’ of incentives to attract foreign and domestic productions, including: the right mix of government support, stable and competitive financial incentives, world-class infrastructure, superb talent and skills and diverse locations.”
The rise came despite the continued strength of the Canadian dollar, aggressive competition from other jurisdictions and a soft global economy. Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) programs also support the book and magazine publishing, music and interactive digital media industries. The entire entertainment and creative cluster supports almost 300,000 jobs and contributes $12.2 billion annually to the province’s GDP.
“Ontario provides a wide variety of options that make it very desirable for us to shoot our productions here. With its strong infrastructure, consistently reliable tax credit, a deep, professional crew base and many architectural styles and diverse locations available throughout the region, each of our series is able to find all of the resources they need in Ontario,” Said Mark Binke, Senior Vice President, Cable and Digital Production for Universal Cable Productions/NBC Universal. “Additionally, we have great relationships that we have built over the past decade with local vendors and talent. OMDC President and CEO Karen Thorne and her team are great partners.”
Ontario Film And TV Production Quick Facts
- Ontario’s 2011 film & TV production activity contributed $1.26 billion to the economy – an increase of $300 million or 31% over 2010
- Increased spending was seen in virtually all areas, including domestic film, which spiked in 2011 contributing $165.9 million in 2011 compared to $62.6 million in 2010 – a 165% increase.
- Domestic television series grew 34% – to $626.7 million in 2011 from $467.9 million in 2010
- Foreign feature film spending was $231.6 million compared to $159.3 million in 2010 – a 45% increase.
- Foreign television series spending continued to grow contributing $150.2 million in 2011 compared to $119.0 million in 2010 – a 26% increase.
- Total domestic production spending contributed $852.1 million, a 32% increase.
- Total foreign production spending increased by $94.7 million or 30%.
- The $1.26 billion in production activity accounted for almost 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
- Every million dollars of film and TV production in Ontario generates 23 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
- Ontario’s entire creative cluster includes: book and magazine publishing; sound recording; film and television; interactive digital media; performing arts; radio; advertising; architecture and design
1991-2011 20-year graph showing Ontario production levels comparing foreign and domestic activity. [4]