The entertainment industry is gearing up for a resurgence after a prolonged period of uncertainty. Noel Phillips, the general manager of Dufferin Gate Studios in Toronto, has noted a surge in inquiries from Los Angeles producers for soundstage bookings, signaling a potential uptick in production starting in January 2024. However, Prem Gill, CEO of Creative B.C., acknowledges that the industry on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border will require time to fully recover from the extended shutdown, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
The anticipation for a return to normalcy is palpable, but there are challenges to navigate. The recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have disrupted Hollywood production levels, particularly impacting TV series such as Yellowjackets, Superman & Lois, and The Flash. Additionally, major Hollywood players are managing various international locations and competing demands as streaming services seek to expand their global subscriber base.
Garin Josey, executive VP and COO of William F. White, a prominent production equipment rental supplier in Vancouver, highlights the advantage for productions that had already established sets on local soundstages before the strikes, positioning them for a quicker restart. However, the industry faces a complex landscape as it strives to reignite production while accommodating the schedules of key creatives and talent.
The Canadian production sector is eagerly anticipating the return of American productions, which are vital to its operations. Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios in suburban Vancouver, expresses optimism for the future while acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry in the wake of the labor actions in Hollywood.
Despite the current uncertainties, there is a sense of cautious optimism among Canadian production players. They are hopeful that the industry will rebound, with expectations of a robust slate of productions in spring 2024. This sentiment is echoed by Justin Cutler, the Ontario Film Commissioner at Ontario Creates, who anticipates a return to the thriving production activity that characterized previous years.
Before the recent strikes, Ontario had experienced success as a filming location for popular American series, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Reacher, The Umbrella Academy, Accused, and Ginny & Georgia, indicating the province’s potential to attract and support major productions.
