'We will keep coming' vows Hollywood actor

It's been a good year for film in Sudbury, said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci.

Things are looking even better, after Bartolucci, chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, announced $700,000 worth of funding for the latest project taking place in the city.

Be My Valentine is the story of Dan, a single parent in a small town who is happy with his simple life. Love is the last thing on his mind until he is called to a fire at the flower shop. Around the same time, his 12-year-old son falls for one of his co-workers.

“Love is in the air.”

The film stars William Baldwin, Christian Martyn, Allison Brennan and Lisa Berry.
David Anselmo from Northern Ontario Film Studios said there is “quite a bit” of local talent on the film.

A total of 45 people from Northern Ontario were part of the crew, 10 of whom were training in mentor roles under professionals. On top of behind-the-scenes work, some 200 extras were also hired to be part of the production.

While it's been a positive experience for locals, the Hollywood folks travelling north have also enjoyed the experience. Baldwin said he's thoroughly enjoyed the Sudbury experience.

“We have come in droves and we will keep coming,” he said.

It's a feeling that seems to be shared by those who visit the city.

“Sudbury's reputation as a centre for film production is growing,” Bartolucci said. “I am very pleased that our support has helped bring yet another production to the north, creating job opportunities for northerners within this emerging economic sector.”