New deal between Sudbury and MPCA “touches every part of industry”
Northern Ontario can look forward to a steady flow of film projects over the next three years thanks to a new deal between Sudbury-based Hideaway Pictures and the Motion Picture Corporation of America (MPCA).
The $100-million, multi-picture deal will bring even more projects to the already booming industry in the North.
Hideaway and the MPCA, which is known for its contributions to the Hallmark Channel, signed the deal in March, motivated by financial incentives like Northern Ontario Heritage Fund opportunities and federal and provincial tax credits. But, it was also largely due to the success of the first episode of their joint project, the Flower Shop Mysteries. The miniseries, filmed in North Bay, had the most popular premiere in the Hallmark Channel’s history.
“It touches every part of industry,” said Anselmo. “On any given film we are spending millions and it trickles down.”
For example, with the Flower Shop Mysteries, they spent around $50,000 just on flowers for the set, which they bought from local florists. On another project, they spent $20,000 at a local restaurant for cast and crew, which allowed the restaurant to complete renovations and improvements.
Read more by Ella Myers on Northern Ontario Business