The benefits of film and television production to a community are significant. Increased economic activity and investment, local employment opportunities, support for local arts organizations and events, and trade for local businesses are just some of the positives a community experiences with increased production. Since 2004, 40 film or television series have been shot in Sault Ste. Marie, resulting in approximately $60 million in economic benefit. But there is room to grow.
Over the past decade, Sault Ste. Marie has defined itself as a go-to location for film production in Northern Ontario. Our diverse locations, experienced local crew base, and unique assets have set us apart in the industry. A new Sault Ste. Marie Film Office led by Jennifer Mathewson has been established as part of the FutureSSM Project to attract productions and support them with things like permit processes and location scouting.
The film industry is important for our community, economically and culturally:
- One feature film hires 20-30 full-time equivalent local positions with a weekly average wage of $1,5000.
- Between 2004 - 2018, Sault Ste. Marie has had approx. $60 million injected into the community as a result of film productions.
- To date, 40 film and television series have been shot in Sault Ste. Marie.
- One feature film injects $1 million directly into the community.
- Sault Ste. Marie has approx. 100 active film and television crew members working in the industry.
- Canada has had just over $8 billion in production volume in 2017 and nearly $2.9 billion in Ontario.
- When production crews are in our community, they act as tourists eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and taking in our sites.
When filming in Sault Ste. Marie, be prepared for the red carpet treatment. Here are just some of the reasons why SSM is an ideal place to shoot:
- SSM has countless diverse and competitively priced locations including farmland, natural landscapes, historical settings, urban landscapes, and indoor space for sound studios.
- The Sault College Digital Film and Production Program is producing talented people to work in the industry.
- Sault Ste. Marie has approx. 100 active, highly skilled and experienced film and television crew members already working in the industry.
- You will be able to ease through permit processes with the help of city officials who understand the needs of film production and are eager to help.
Want to know even more reasons to film in Sault Ste. Marie from other productions? Check out ShawTV's Spotlight, 'Hollywood North':
For more information, contact Jennifer at 705-989-4818 or ssmfilms@cityssm.on.ca
In the News
- 18.10.16 - Norothern Ontario Business - Sault Ste. Marie Moves into the Spotlight
- 18.09.29 - The Sault Star - Mathewson rolls with new Sault film duties
- 18.09.27 - Sootoday - Sault films celebrated at international festivals
- 18.09.27 - Sootoday - City hires local film expert to promote Sault as ideal place to make movies
Photo credit: Dan Grisdale Photography and Jennifer Mathewson