Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix Expand Production Infrastructure in Ontario
Investing in a film and TV production facility is a tricky business, but Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix have shown their confidence in Ontario’s stability by making major commitments to the Canadian province. Despite the risk of tax incentives being repealed, these streaming giants are expanding an already substantial production infrastructure in Ontario. This includes soundstage complexes, equipment vendors, VFX facilities, and cutting-edge LED volumes for virtual production.
According to Ontario film commissioner Jason Cutler, the province already has 3.6 million square feet of stage space, with an additional 1.8 million square feet becoming available soon. This growth is a result of Ontario’s stable tax credit, which is a refund rather than a rebate or buyback.
Major Commitments by Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix
Amazon MGM Studios has announced a multi-year commitment to Pinewood Toronto Studios, giving them exclusive use of five new soundstages in the city’s Port Lands section. The facilities also include workshops and office space, totaling approximately 160,000 square feet. Netflix, on the other hand, has its own production hub in Toronto, split between facilities owned by Pinewood and Cinespace. Cinespace is the province’s largest studio landlord, offering more than 1.4 million square feet of production space across three locations in Toronto.
Growing VFX Studios in Toronto
Toronto is also home to a growing number of VFX studios, including DNEG, Rocket Science, and Maverick VFX. These studios have worked on various high-profile projects, including “Dune” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Ontario’s 18% refundable tax credit for qualifying labor expenditures in digital animation and VFX attracts many projects to the province for post-production and visual effects work.
Pixomondo’s Expansion in Ontario
Pixomondo, a VFX studio, has an ongoing relationship with Paramount+ and has recently expanded its presence in Toronto. They provide VFX for Paramount’s series “Star Trek: Discovery” and have created virtual CGI sets using LED volumes. Pixomondo plans to bring bespoke pop-up LED volumes to soundstages for future film and TV projects, further enhancing the province’s production capabilities.
Pickering’s Brick and Mortar Backlot
Pickering, a town northeast of Toronto, boasts an old-fashioned brick and mortar backlot. Originally built for the first season of Skydance Television’s Amazon series “Reacher,” the backlot features thirty shops and storefronts, a town square, city hall, and a police station. William F. White Intl. has made a deal to make the backlot available for other projects, offering filmmakers a versatile location close to their production base.
In conclusion, Ontario’s stability and competitive environment have attracted major players in the streaming industry. Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix expanding their production infrastructure in the province is a testament to the region’s favorable tax credit system and growing facilities. As a result, Ontario is becoming a hub for film and TV production, with a wealth of stage space, VFX studios, and cutting-edge technology like LED volumes for virtual production.
Analyst comment
Positive news:
– Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix are expanding production infrastructure in Ontario, showing confidence in the province’s stability.
– Ontario offers stable tax credits, attracting major players in the streaming industry.
– Ontario has a significant amount of stage space and is experiencing growth in VFX studios.
– Pixomondo has expanded its presence and plans to bring advanced technology for future projects.
– Pickering offers a versatile brick and mortar backlot for filmmakers.
As an analyst, the market is expected to see growth and increased activity in film and TV production in Ontario due to the expansion of production infrastructure and the favorable tax credit system. This could lead to more opportunities for local businesses, job creation, and investment in the region’s entertainment industry.
