TIFF has drawn to a close, celebrities have flown home, and the Princess of Wales Theatre is back to its regularly scheduled programming. Each September all eyes are on Toronto, but even a short time after the red carpets are rolled up, film connoisseurs are already calling this year the festival’s most influential run since before the pandemic.
Not to say that everything went off without a hitch, but TIFF’s success this year and years prior marks the Toronto Region as a film hub on the global stage.
As Toronto returns from the glitz and glamour of TIFF, the region’s reputation as Hollywood North is not just movie magic, but the result of a strong film sector and world-class creative talent.
Overview of Toronto’s Film Sector
The Toronto Region is home to one of North America’s top three largest screen-based industries, along with other huge economies, Los Angeles and New York City. The scale of this industry is unmatched in Canada, employing more than 30,000 people.
Toronto was named the first Canadian city to become a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, an acknowledgment of its leadership in film, music, digital media, and other cultural expressions that harness technology. This title solidifies Toronto’s status as a global leader in the creative industries, which continues to attract filmmakers worldwide.
In 2023, film and TV contributed a record $3.15 Billion to Ontario’s economy creating nearly 46 thousand direct and spin-off jobs across the province.
Most recently, Toronto was ranked first in Moviemaker’s Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker, ahead of all other Canadian cities. This ranking reflects the city’s advanced infrastructure, rich talent pool, and robust support systems for filmmakers.
Toronto’s geographical versatility and diverse architecture allow it to double for numerous cities around the world, making it a preferred location for international productions.
Toronto’s ability to cater to all facets of production—from big-budget blockbusters to indie films— has made it an attractive destination for filmmakers seeking a variety of shooting environments, cutting-edge technology, and financial incentives.
Ontario Creates offers some of the most generous tax incentives in the world for media industries. For example, the Ontario Production Services Tax Credit offers local and foreign-owned production companies a credit of 21.5% of all qualifying production costs in Ontario, including labour.
Whether for feature films, television shows, or digital content, Toronto’s creative ecosystem offers unmatched resources, propelling it to the forefront of the global film industry.
World-Class Film Stages in and Around Toronto
One of the core strengths of Toronto’s film sector is its world-class film stages and production facilities, which are on par with those found in Los Angeles or New York. These facilities provide filmmakers with the space and technology needed to bring their stories to life, attracting major studios like Amazon MGM and DNEG to set up shop here.
Pinewood Toronto Studios
- Pinewood Toronto Studios is the crown jewel of Toronto’s production infrastructure. Located just minutes from downtown Toronto, it boasts over 11 soundstages, including one of the largest purpose-built soundstages in North America. Pinewood Toronto is a go-to destination for big-budget films, having hosted productions like The Suicide Squad and Star Trek: Discovery. The studio’s advanced post-production facilities and massive lot space make it one of the most sought-after production hubs.
Cinespace Film Studios
- Another key player in the Toronto Region’s film landscape is Cinespace Film Studios, which operates multiple stages across the city. Known for its role in hosting major television productions such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Orphan Black, Cinespace is highly regarded for its versatility and state-of-the-art facilities. With over 1.3 million square feet of production space, the studio is one of the largest film and television production facilities in North America.
Studio City Toronto
- Studio City Toronto offers smaller-scale yet high-quality facilities suited for indie films, commercials, and television shows. It provides flexible and affordable production spaces that cater to different types of projects. Despite its smaller size compared to Pinewood or Cinespace, Studio City remains an essential player in Toronto’s growing indie film sector.
Revival Film Studios
- Located in the heart of Toronto’s East End, Revival Film Studios offers a mix of sound stages, production offices, and set-building facilities. It has become a favourite for independent filmmakers and television productions looking for a cost-effective yet high-quality space. Revival’s intimate and flexible stages make it ideal for both small- and mid-sized productions. Recent projects filmed at Revival include popular TV shows like Titans and Private Eyes.
CBS Studios Mississauga
- CBS Studios Mississauga offers more than 260,000 square feet of space across six sound stages. It has played a significant role in expanding the Greater Toronto Area’s production capacity. Known for hosting major productions, CBS Studios Mississauga has been home to several high-profile shows, including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
TriBro Studios – Sandy Beach
- Situated in Pickering, about a 40-minute drive from Toronto, TriBro Studios operates a 140,000 square foot lot equipped with 3 sound stages. Offering a variety of post-production services, TriBro has become a versatile option for filmmakers looking to have close collaboration between on and off-screen departments. The studio is known for hosting both domestic and international projects, with productions like Shazam! and Suicide Squad filmed there.
Toronto’s status as “Hollywood North” is not just about its ability to host glamorous events like TIFF, but a reflection of the city’s robust film infrastructure, talented workforce, and industry-leading tax incentives. With its versatile locations and world-class production facilities, Toronto continues to attract filmmakers from around the globe, solidifying its role as a major player in the international film industry.