STAFF REPORT
February 28, 2000
To: Economic Development and Parks Committee
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: Film and Television Industry - 1999 Year End Review
All Wards
Purpose:
To provide an overview of activity generated during 1999 by the Toronto Film and Television Office.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Comments:
The Film and Television industry activity in the former City of Toronto increased significantly in 1999. Economic benefits
include a grand total of $1.2 billion dollars being spent by production companies in Toronto. Of the $1.2 billion dollars,
major projects accounted for $834.5 million dollars (see attached charts 1 - 6). Almost half of this total (49%) came from
Canadian production spending These include; feature films, movies for television, mini-series, television series and
television specials. This represents a 21.9% increase in production spending levels over 1998 ($684.5 million).
Commercial production activity accounts for an additional $250 million dollars being spent on filming in-studio and
on-location in Toronto. The on-location portion, for which the Toronto Film and Television Office had direct involvement,
accounts for $100 million of that $250 million.
Animation and post effects which includes CGI digital effects and physical effects accounts for a further $100 million in
production activity spending. There are 77 animation and post effects companies and 30 physical effects companies in
Toronto.
In 1999, staff of the Toronto Film and Television Office issued 3,505 location filming permits for 1,177 projects totalling
8,747 shooting days. In 1998, staff issued 3,092 location filming permits for 1,021 projects totalling 7,050 shooting days.
Comparatively, these figures represent a 15.28% increase in location filming permits issued, a 13.36% increase in projects
and a 24.07% increase in shooting days generated. The increase in volume of permits was attained without a change in staff
complement; however, staff who would otherwise be engaged in community liaison and promotional activities were
redeployed to permitting functions. This is a concern from the community perspective.
Marketing efforts continued and were well received despite intensive protests and campaigns over "runaway production"
by U.S. crews. Staff of the Toronto Film and Television Office attended trade shows in New York City, Los Angeles,
London and Banff. Of the $834.5 million spent in Toronto, total foreign spending in Toronto accounted for $420.5 million,
an increase of 42% ($296.7 million) over 1998.
The 'Thank You Toronto/Ontario' campaign continues to grow in strength due to the assiduousness of Toronto Film and
Television Office staff in managing locations as well as the support of the film industry. Each year, through the efforts of
the 'Thank You Toronto/Ontario' campaign, funds are raised by the film, television and commercial production industry
and donated to communities that have welcomed location crews into their neighbourhoods. The annual campaign
communicates the gratitude of the industry for the on-going co-operation and support shown by the public. Mayor Lastman
proclaimed Monday, January 31st,,'Thank You Toronto' Day and a total of $27,000.00 in industry funded cash donations
were awarded to 20 charitable organizations in wards 20, 24, and 25, the wards that showed the highest volumes of filming
activities in 1999 (see chart 7 attached).
The Film Liaison Industry Committee (FLIC) met 10 times during 1999 and had input into reports regarding an
amalgamated City of Toronto By-Law (170-1999) to regulate the 'Use of City Property for Location Filming', a revised set
of guidelines for location filming in the City of Toronto and a new Code of Conduct for Cast and Crew, as well as the
Toronto Film and Television Office operational review process. In 1999, FLIC, through the Economic Development
Committee, was successful in obtaining Councillor representation on its committee. The FLIC membership made
recommendations for studio/industry representation at meetings regarding the dismantling of the F.G. Gardiner Expressway
and assisted with the establishment of a filming policy for the Ontario Power Generation - R.L. Hearn Property. FLIC also
heard deputations from residents in the Kingsway Park area and addressed their concerns with respect to problem
resolution around filming in the former City of Etobicoke. FLIC is currently working closely with the Toronto Police
Service and staff of the Works and Emergency Services Department towards resolving problems related to temporary
replacement of authorized street signs during film shoots and enforcement of the film permit. Finally, FLIC is having
discussions with Exhibition Place to alleviate problems presently making this location difficult to shoot. When resolved,
this will enable production companies use of that city resource.
Conclusions:
Over the past year, The Toronto Film and Television Office met with representatives of various agencies, boards and
commissions in order to ease the industry towards an amalgamated service for filming permitting. Through the
co-operative efforts of all parties involved, and the operational review conducted by independent consultants 'The
Randolph Group', the Toronto Film and Television Office projects that the film and television industry will maintain a high
level of production activity in Toronto co-ordinated by a one-stop shop under the guidance of the Toronto Film and
Television Office. Indications to date show another healthy year ahead for film and television production and the
continuation of the very positive financial contribution of this industry to the economy of Toronto.
Contact:
Brenda Librecz
Managing Director Economic Development Division
Tel: 397-4700
Fax: 395-0388
Blibrecz@toronto.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
List of Attachments:
Attachment No. 1 - Production Spending Growth Chart
Attachment No. 2 - U.S. Production Spending Chart
Attachment No. 3 - Growth of Major Productions Chart
Attachment No. 4 - Number of Location Filming Projects Growth Chart
Attachment No. 5 - Number of Locations Used Chart
Attachment No. 6 - Number of Shooting Days Chart
Attachment No. 7 - Thank You Toronto/Ontario Campaign 1999 Chart
