A new CBC miniseries entitled The Best Laid Plans wrapped up production at the end of October after filming in Centretown and other Ottawa locations. It is one of 95 productions filmed in Ottawa this year, according to Alexandra Pugh, the manager of communications at Invest Ottawa.
These productions may not be starring the likes of Angelina Jolie or George Clooney, but they offer many financial opportunities on which the city can capitalize.
It seems there has been a step backwards, however, as city council has cut funding to build a sound stage which would allow more films to be produced in Ottawa.
The city had initially set aside $1.5 million for the project but has diverted $1 million of the money towards the Arts Court, a dance and theatre venue.
Film experts in Ottawa say productions tap into the city’s abundant creative talent and creates job opportunities for local camera crews, producers, actors and post-production teams. According to Pugh, 94 jobs were created because of film production in Ottawa this year.
Film production is also positive economically for local businesses as productions spend money on various services and amenities in the city including hotels, restaurants and vehicle rentals. The 95 productions spent $20 million in the city this year, Pugh says.
Film production in Ottawa can also boost tourism for the city. It serves as free promotion when the backdrop of a movie or television show is the Rideau Canal or Parliament Hill.
Just look at New Zealand – the natural landscape was the setting of The Lord of the Rings trilogy films. After all the films were released in 2004, six per cent (120,000 to 150,000 visitors) of people visiting New Zealand cited The Lord of the Rings as one of their main reasons for travelling to the country, according to New Zealand Tourism’s website.
Although it may be ambitious to expect a similar scenario to boost Ottawa’s tourism, the city could get an unexpected big break.
It should be noted there have also been a number of efforts to boost film and television production in the city by groups like the Ottawa Film Office, which often travels to Los Angeles to promote the city as a desirable filming destination.
There is also the We Work Ottawa initiative, which produced a short video starring Dan Aykroyd at the beginning of the year, showcasing Ottawa’s film talent.
The number of films produced in Ottawa has also increased over the last two years with 86 produced last year, up from 62 in 2011. It is clear they bring economic benefits to the city such as jobs and revenue for local businesses.
Producing films in Ottawa should therefore be promoted and the necessary facilities should be established to allow the industry to flourish. Cutting funding for a sound stage does just the opposite.