The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has invested $33 million in 51 film and television projects in recent months, and that's a great thing for the north, says an industry player.
“We're really happy that the NOHFC had the forward thinking 15 years ago to start investing in film,” said David Anselmo, owner of the Northern Ontario Film Studios, speaking at a Dec. 15 press conference.
“It's really helped grow a new industry and a new economy for Northern Ontario. This year we saw a $100 million plus in economic development just from the film industry.
“It's created thousands and thousands of jobs for northerners across the region and it has allowed a lot of people to pursue their dreams at home, including myself.”
Among the film and television projects supported by the NOHFC are Cardinal, Carter, Bad Blood: The Vito Rizzuto Story, Indian Horse, Through Black Spruce and Hard Rock Medical.
“There's a sense of pride I see when I talk to people in the community about having these films and television projects being filmed here and showcased here,” he said.
“The dollars and cents are outstanding, but the cultural aspect is very important too.”
Sudbury MPP and Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said the money invested in film and television is doing “great things.”
“Not only is it helping our economy create more jobs and creating an infrastructure to continue to create more television and film here, but it's also allowing us to be seen as not just a resource community,” he said.
“We've got artists and culture happening here with these film and television productions. It's a win-win for us because we're going to continue to see this as one of our largest employers in the city now.”
