Ontario's film & television production records best year ever
Industry contributed $1.26 billion to Ontario's economy in 2011
TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario's film and television industry recorded its best year ever in 2011 contributing $1.26 billion to the provincial economy - a $300 million increase or 31% over the previous year - according to figures compiled by the Ontario Media Development Corporation and announced today in remarks at the Economic Club of Canada by OMDC President and CEO Karen Thorne-Stone. It was the strongest performance since 2000 ($1.01 billion) and the highest since the agency started keeping records in 1986.
The $1.26 billion in production activity accounted for almost 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
The increase was led by domestic spending which accounted for $852.1 million in total, a 32% increase over 2010's figure of $646.2 million. Foreign spending was also up contributing $412.9 million total - a 30% increase over the previous year's $318.1 million.
The rise came despite the continued strength of the Canadian dollar, aggressive competition from other jurisdictions and a soft global economy.
Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) programs also support the book and magazine publishing, music and interactive digital media industries. The entire entertainment and creative cluster supports almost 300,000 jobs and contributes $12.2 billion annually to the province's GDP.
QUOTES
"The McGuinty government celebrates the success of Ontario's creative industries as we are committed to creating jobs and a stronger economy. We are proud to partner with our film and television industry, continuing to foster an innovative, competitive climate that will drive Ontario forward as a leader in the global market."
- Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
"We are delighted by the outstanding performance of the film and television industry. It is a testimonial to the fact that Ontario offers a 'total package' of incentives to attract foreign and domestic productions, including: the right mix of government support, stable and competitive financial incentives, world-class infrastructure, superb talent and skills and diverse locations."
- Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO, Ontario Media Development Corporation
"Ontario provides a wide variety of options that make it very desirable for us to shoot our productions here. With its strong infrastructure, consistently reliable tax credit, a deep, professional crew base and many architectural styles and diverse locations available throughout the region, each of our series is able to find all of the resources they need in Ontario. Additionally, we have great relationships that we have built over the past decade with local vendors and talent. OMDC President and CEO Karen Thorne and her team are great partners."
- Mark Binke, Senior Vice President, Cable and Digital Production for Universal Cable Productions/NBC Universal
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario's 2011 film & TV production activity contributed $1.26 billion to the economy - an increase of $300 million or 31% over 2010
- Increased spending was seen in virtually all areas, including domestic film, which spiked in 2011 contributing $165.9 million in 2011 compared to $62.6 million in 2010 - a 165% increase.
- Domestic television series grew 34% - to $626.7 million in 2011 from $467.9 million in 2010
- Foreign feature film spending was $231.6 million compared to $159.3 million in 2010 - a 45% increase.
- Foreign television series spending continued to grow contributing $150.2 million in 2011 compared to $119.0 million in 2010 - a 26% increase.
- Total domestic production spending contributed $852.1 million, a 32% increase.
- Total foreign production spending increased by $94.7 million or 30%.
- The $1.26 billion in production activity accounted for almost 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
- Every million dollars of film and TV production in Ontario generates 23 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
- Ontario's entire creative cluster includes: book and magazine publishing; sound recording; film and television; interactive digital media; performing arts; radio; advertising; architecture and design
LEARN MORE
1991-2011 20-year graph showing Ontario production levels comparing foreign and domestic activity.
Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport that facilitates economic development opportunities for Ontario's cultural media industries including: book and magazine publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, and sound recording industries.
BE PART OF IT
Ontario is a global hub for content creation and distribution. From digital innovation to literature, Ontario's cultural sectors contribute billions of dollars to the economy, employ hundreds of thousands of people and power some of the world's most innovative content.
For investors and creators, businesses and consumers, OMDC's investment funds and programs help bring a wealth of opportunity to Ontario. Be part of it and visit OMDC.on.ca to learn more.
For further information:
Contact for OMDC:
George McNeillie, OMDC Board Secretary and Manager of
Communications
416-642-6619
Cell : 647-286-3979
[email protected]
www.omdc.on.ca
Contact for Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport:
Jasmine Gill, Minister's Office
416-325-1759
[email protected]
Denelle Balfour, Communications Branch
416-212-3928
[email protected]
ontario.ca/MTCSnews
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