News

$3.5 Million to Build a Stronger Film and Television Industry

NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $3.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) into four film and television projects filmed in and around North Bay. This investment will help create jobs, attract talent and increase the quality of film and television series produced in Nipissing.

“Our government will continue to invest in the film and television industry here in Nipissing to help drive the local economy,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Film and television productions like SkyMed help put Northern Ontario on the map and provide the opportunity to showcase our culture, geography and talent.”

A breakdown of NOHFC funded films that were shot in and around North Bay, is as follows:

• $2,000,000 for SkyMed Three Ontario Inc to produce season 3 of the TV series SkyMed
• $500,000 for Hideaway Pictures to film Royal Christmas Ball
• $500,000 for CastNorth Productions Inc for the film Aurora Christmas
• $500,000 for Fela Ocu Inc for their feature film Sweetness

“It’s been a remarkable experience filming SkyMed in North Bay! The funding from the NOHFC has been crucial for this project. We’ve been able to showcase the beauty of the region worldwide but also boost the local economy, creating jobs, and opening up opportunities that reach beyond the screen. With the stunning landscapes as our backdrop and the hard work of our local crews, SkyMed’s story comes to life, blending the dedication of our team with the magic of cinema.” – Vanessa Piazza, Executive producer SkyMed, President Piazza Entertainment.

“I would like to take a moment to say 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! It also allows us the opportunity to introduce new up and coming talent in our region who may not have realized there are career opportunities in Film and television.” – Micheline Blais, President of Cast North, Producer of Aurora Christmas.

“After visiting North Bay for the first time as a possible shooting location, we knew there was nowhere else to shoot this film.  The energy and enthusiasm we felt for the film and the growing industry up North are palpable and wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of MPP Fedeli and everyone at the NOHFC.  We’re excited to show the world what North Bay helped us create and to come back in the future and do it all again.” – Taj Critchlow & Daniel Quinn, Producers of Sweetness.

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 $790 million in 6,464 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,930 jobs. Locally, the NOHFC has invested more than $138 million in 798 projects in the Nipissing region, leveraging more than $549 million in investment and creating or sustaining 1,457 jobs.

Quick Fact

• 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.
• The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and television series.
• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.