After the recent tentative deal reached between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Canadian film and TV industry players are gearing up for the return of American production north of the border. This has brought a sense of relief to the Canadian sector, but there are several uncertainties and challenges that need to be navigated as Hollywood looks to resume production in Canada.
As the major studios continue to face cost pressures, especially with the growing competition from streaming platforms, the resumption of American production in Canada won’t be a seamless process. Noel Phillips, the general manager of Dufferin Gate Studios in Toronto, has already received numerous inquiries from Los Angeles producers for potential production starts in January 2024. However, the industry acknowledges that it will take time for the entertainment sector on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border to fully rebound from the prolonged shutdown.
Prem Gill, CEO of Creative B.C., emphasized that the industry will need to navigate around the upcoming holidays as well, with American Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. There are still many logistical and scheduling challenges that need to be ironed out before production can fully resume.
The recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA had significantly impacted Hollywood production in Vancouver, with shows like “Yellowjackets,” “Superman & Lois,” and “The Flash” being affected. The Canadian industry is also contending with major Hollywood players looking beyond Los Angeles for international locations, as streaming giants are increasingly focused on acquiring subscribers worldwide.
With many key creatives and talent involved in multiple projects simultaneously, there is a bottleneck that has to be navigated in restarting production. Garin Josey, the executive VP and COO of William F. White, a major production equipment rental supplier in Vancouver, noted that productions which had already built sets before the strikes will have a head start in quickly resuming production. However, it will still take time for the industry to ramp up production to pre-strike levels.
Canada remains an attractive destination for American producers due to tax credits and other incentives offered by provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. However, the industry recognizes that patience will be needed as the Americans are expected to return in full force, with a projected resurgence in spring 2024. This anticipated wave of production is expected to bring a significant influx of American projects back to Canada.
As the industry eagerly awaits the return of American production, Canadian production players are cautiously optimistic about the future. The challenges posed by the recent strikes and the ongoing shifts in the entertainment landscape have certainly had an impact, but there’s a sense of resilience and determination to navigate through these obstacles. Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios, expressed hope for the industry’s recovery while acknowledging the time it will take to fully ramp up production once again.
Ultimately, the Canadian film and TV industry is poised to rebound as American production returns to Canadian soil. The recent deal between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has opened the door for a new chapter in the industry’s recovery, and Canadian players are ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there’s a palpable sense of optimism as the industry looks towards a future filled with new projects and opportunities.
