Keeping up 'with the big boys'

There's no question the film industry in northern Ontario is growing.

Just ask Alina Ducharme and Peter Mihaichuk, both of whom are trained in film production, but had no permanent location in Sudbury to ply their craft.

Mihaichuk is an art director and production designer in the film industry. He grew up in Sudbury, a place he said has always "hit the ceiling" because there was never a facility that allowed crews to shoot interior films. Sudbury has been passed up as a potential shoot location for a number of films because of that, he said.

Last year, he worked in the northern Ontario region for six months, while the other six months he had to go to Toronto or L.A. in order to work.

Similarly, Ducharme was forced to pursue her career outside of Sudbury.

In 2009, she had an "amazing" opportunity to participate in an internship program in Miami, Florida, in film promotion, where she said she was able to work with accomplished film producers and media professionals who helped expand her talents and encouraged her to pursue a career in film production.

"I returned home to Sudbury after hearing of the opportunities here, but having no guarantee there would be consistent work in the field," she said. "I have been grateful to have worked on a few feature and short films, but have yet to make the jump to full-time production."

With the Northern Ontario Film Studio (NOFS), the situation is about to change for both of them.

"This studio is an incredible development in the northern Ontario film industry, and it's the answer for me and others like me," Ducharme said. "It will draw filmmakers from afar, but more importantly, it will keep filmmakers here who call northern Ontario home."

A new film studio will allow Mihaichuk to do what he intended from the start of his career — move his family back to Sudbury.

"I want to raise my children here; I love the region," he said.

He has been involved in the planning of NOFS and is excited to know it's becoming a reality.

All the elements needed to bring Sudbury out of its place as a “transient filming location,” and setting it on the path toward becoming a full-fledged movie-making hub, are happening right now, according to the studio's chief operating officer.

Pierre Bonhomme said when NOFS opens its doors at the end of May, the city will be that much closer to realizing its potential.

“It's a big deal for the region,” Bonhomme, who is also the Canadian business development manager of NOFS, said.

The 20,000-square-foot temporary space, located at the Barrydowne Arena, will be the first facility of its kind in the north. Offering 3,000 square feet of production offices, along with green rooms, wardrobe spaces, a makeup room and a snack bar, the sound stage will truly allow Sudbury to “compete with the big boys,” Bonhomme said.

David Anselmo, CEO and president of NOFS, said the studios will make Sudbury a year-round destination for movie makers. Factors like weather won't necessarily be part of the equation for crews considering the north as an option, now that indoor space will be available to them. Topped with the other advantages available in Greater Sudbury, it's becoming a more and more attractive location.

Funding opportunities, like those provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, as well as the skilled industry professionals coming up in the city mean quality work can be done without the expense of shooting in larger cities. Of course, the unique atmosphere and landscapes found in Greater Sudbury enhance its appeal, too.

Although these characteristics are often spread upon the entire region, Sudbury will soon be the standout location, thanks to NOFS.

“This studio only enhances the opportunities for even more films to come here,” Anselmo said. “Now we're going to be able to keep more productions here for longer.”

While the intention of NOFS is to bring others north to shoot TV series and films, it will also mean northerners who want to work in the film industry won't have to leave home.

“In the north for the north” is the mandate of NOFS — in keeping with it, Anselmo said emphasis will be put on training a solid crew of locals to work in the industry, making it even more appealing for major production crews to head up Highway 400.

“We want to impact the industry in a positive way, and allow it to grow even more,” Anselmo said.

The overall goal is to be able to provide 75 per cent of the crew for films that are shot in Sudbury, Anselmo told the city's planning committee when he represented investors in the studio in an effort to gain approval to use Barrydowne Arena as a temporary location.

Mihaichuk and Ducharme also made their comments to the city's planning committee.

"Obviously, there's a 25-per-cent gap, and we know we will never be able to fill that," Anselmo said. "By building the initial crew and having the infrastructure, we open the door for local filmmakers to use this facility. In 20 years from now, we may see a person who is 10 years old now go through the steps of training and write a script and make something that will wow the world."

Renovations on both the interior and exterior of the Barrydowne Arena are ongoing. According to Anselmo, the facility should be up and running by the end of May. For more information, visit nofstudios.com.

Posted by Arron Pickard