A report issued last week by the
Ontario Media Development Corporation shows that 2009 was an excellent year for the film and television industry across the province.
The agency of the provincial government reported (
pdf) that film and TV production province-wide was up 41 per cent from 2008, and injected $964.4 million into the local economy. This was the highest level of production activity in the province recorded since 2002 -- and it occurred during a global recession in a year that saw the Canadian dollar hover at par with the US dollar (therefore removing a traditional advantage to shooting here).
While a spokesperson for the OMDC was unable to estimate how many jobs were created as a result of production spending, approximately 24,000 people work in the industry in the GTA alone.
In a news release, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan said, "This tremendous show of strength from Ontario's film and television industry helps demonstrate the enormous competitive advantage that cultural industries give us in the global economy. These industries have a significant impact on Ontario's economy and continue to show impressive upside potential."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: OMDC