News

$6 Million for Local Film and Television Production

NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for six film and television projects in Nipissing. This investment will help support job creation and boost economic growth in our area.

“Our government is proud to support the film and television industry in Nipissing, which continues to create good jobs and develop skilled local talent,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Today’s funding is helping solidify the North’s reputation as a first-rate production centre in North America and the world.”

The following funding is being delivered through NOHFC:

• $2,000,000 for First Generation Media for their production of a five-part limited series entitled Essex County, shot in and around North Bay
• $2,000,000 for Sinking Ship Productions Inc for their production of a family television series entitled Beyond Black Beauty, shot in and around North Bay
• $500,000 each for Hideaway Pictures two Christmas movies; Catering Christmas and Homestead for Christmas filmed in the North Bay area
• $500,000 for Bloody Hell Productions to film a horror movie called Bloody Hell filmed in and around North Bay
• $500,000 for CastNorth Productions Inc. to produce the made for television film called Winter Palace, which was filmed in and around North Bay

“Ontario has a booming film and television industry across the province and in the North,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “With this investment, our government is attracting more projects that showcase our stunning northern landscapes, create jobs and boost our provincial and local economies.”

“For our show, the landscape is a character in the story and North Bay provided a variety of beautiful rural vistas and small-town charm. We couldn’t have made the show without the NOHFC’s generous support and in turn we were thrilled to build infrastructure, increase labour capacity and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.” –  Christina Piovesan, Executive Producer of Essex County.

“Sinking Ship Entertainment’s first-time filming in North Bay was an amazing experience. The area’s character and beauty helped bring Beyond Black Beauty to life, while the local crews, talent, resources, and film-positive policies made it a delight to produce television in North Bay. We’re excited for audiences in Canada, and around the world, to see what we made in Northern Ontario.” – Blair Powers, Executive Producer of Beyond Black Beauty.

“We have been extremely proud to work in the North and be supported by the NOHFC. We are excited to bring Beyond Black Beauty to the North with our partners at Sinking Ship Entertainment, and to be supported by Amazon Freevee in bringing this modern-day creation of the classic book to life.” – Leif Bristow, Executive Producer of Beyond Black Beauty.

“We are so grateful for the support by NOHFC and Minister Fedeli who has been a champion to our industry for so many years.” – David Anselmo, Director and Producer of Hideaway Pictures.

“The NOHFC has been integral to the past three films I have produced, Falls Around Her, Stellar and Bloody Hell. The Fund itself is an invaluable opportunity for Independent Producers to maximize the amazing locations of the north, allow Northern POV’s to be supported, and of course help close financing in a very competitive marketplace.  I am extremely grateful for the continued support and look forward to many more successful productions in the North.” – Jennifer Weiss, The Film Farm/Nice Picture Inc.

“Thank you to NOHFC and Minister Fedeli for the continued support of our Film and Television Projects in Northern Ontario. It is through this support we can continue to grow the Industry and contribute to the economic development of our region. It allows us to not only train but also retain the talent in Northern Ontario to assist in supporting the workforce of the continuously growing PanNorthern Film Community! With the steady growth, now more than ever this support allows us the opportunity to do more training.” – Micheline Blais, President of Cast North Productions.

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 $559 million in 4,748 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.82 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,500 jobs.

Quick Facts

• In 2021, 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.

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.