Date:January 4, 1999
To:Economic Development Committee
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:"Thank You Toronto/Ontario" Campaign
Purpose: For information.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement: None.
Recommendations: That this report be received.
Background/History:
Members of Toronto's film, television and commercial production industry, Economic
Development's Toronto Film and Television Office and the Ontario Film Development
Corporation have joined forces to launch the 1998 Thank You Toronto/Ontario campaign
(Attachment 1 lists the industry sponsors). This year's campaign will run from January 4 to
February 1, 1999.
First created in 1991, the Thank You campaign is designed to show the industry's
appreciation to the residents and businesses in the City. The campaign is funded through
donations from all sectors of the industry, including major production companies, facilities
and services as well as labour organizations and industry associations. It provides a focus, for
all of the individuals, organizations, and companies involved in keeping Toronto the third
busiest film production centre in North America, to pay tribute to the friendliness,
co-operation and generosity of spirit of the public who make successful location filming one
of the reasons why film makers choose Toronto.
The 1998 campaign is a multi-layered effort and includes transit advertising in 65 bus shelters
throughout Toronto (donated by the City of Toronto and the Economic Development Office),
45 subway posters, 1200 posters for businesses in the busiest filming locations, 10,000
postcards for location managers to distribute to homeowners after a film shoot, a radio contest
on Mix 99.9, and a Public Service Announcement to be seen in cinemas and on television.
The campaign culminates in an evening event February 1st. A centrepiece of that evening is
the presentation of cash awards to the 3 Wards in which the most filming took place during
the year. In 1998 the Wards that were host to the most activity were: Ward 24 - Downtown;
Ward 25 - Don River; and Ward 20 - Trinity Niagara. Each ward will receive $10,000.00.
This money is to be forwarded to local community-based project(s) or initiative(s) with an
emphasis on groups that provide support at a grass roots level to the social fabric of that
specific community. Some of the organizations that have won in the past are St. Helen's
School Breakfast Program, St. Alban's Boy's and Girl's Club, Senior Adult Services in the
Annex, and the Food Buddies.
Conclusions:
The 1998 Thank You Toronto/Ontario campaign is made possible each year because of the
financial support of the film and television industry. It is a chance to mark their success in the
previous year and their contribution to the economy of the City. They recognize, however, the
interdependence of a healthy and active film sector and the cooperation of the citizens and
businesses of Toronto. They take this opportunity to say thank you very seriously.
Contact Name:
Rhonda Silverstone
Manager, Toronto Film and TV Office
Tel.: 392-1333
Joe Halstead
Commissioner
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
ECO-98-59
