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Hollywood North

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This article is about the nickname of the Canadian film industry. For the film, see Hollywood North (film). For other uses, see Hollywood (disambiguation).
The 2004 Canadian film Hollywood North, a film about two Toronto-based film producers and their struggles in the late-1970s

Hollywood North is a colloquialism used to describe film production industries and or film locations north of its namesake, Hollywood, California. The term has been applied principally to the film industry in Canada, specifically Toronto and Vancouver.

Use of the term

The term "Hollywood North" has been used to describe aspects of Vancouver film and television production since the late 1970s,[1][2][3] even appearing in the titles of books (i.e. Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia[4][5]) and films (Hollywood North). The title has been claimed for both Toronto, Ontario[6][7][8] and Vancouver, British Columbia,[9][10][11][12] although it is also used to refer in general to Vancouver specifically.

Toronto

See also: Category:Films shot in Toronto, Category:Television series produced in Toronto, and List of filming locations in Toronto
Official poster of the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival

One of the earliest Hollywood television series to shoot in Toronto was the 1957 production Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans.[13] The city has been associated with the nickname 'Hollywood North' since the late 1970s, due to its role as a production centre for both domestic and international film projects.[14][15][16] In 1979 Toronto mayor John Sewell announced that Canada had become the third largest movie production centre after Los Angeles and New York.[1]

In 2002 the year Toronto's Film and Television industry accounted for $1.16 billion towards the city's economy, former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman proclaimed "Toronto is Hollywood North".[17] In 2003 the Toronto Ontario Film Office was established in Los Angeles to promote the benefits of filming in the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario.[18] With the TOFO Ontario is the only Canadian province to have an office in Hollywood.[19] The province of Ontario had 230 film projects with $946 million in production spending in 2010.[20]

Ontario ranks as the largest film and television production centre in Canada, and third overall in North America behind California and New York.[21] A decline in BC's domestic production and an increase of $300 million or 31% over the previous year, allowed Ontario to surpass British Columbia for the largest production centre in Canada in 2011. The province recorded $1.26 billion in production activity in 2011, its largest year ever.[22]

Toronto ranks second as an exporter of television programming in North America[23] and behind only Los Angeles and New York City among North American cities in total industry production,[24] $903.5 million were spent by production companies on 209 major production film and television projects in 2010 in Toronto.[25] In 2011, the film industry contributed $1.13 billion from 244 on location film and television projects to Toronto[26] the largest figure since the year 2002, this increase in revenue over the past years was attributed to a film tax credit offered by the provincial government in 2009.[27] A 47% increase in Hollywood productions in 2011 over 2010 was mostly attributed to this tax credit among others.[26][28] In 2012 on location film and television production increased again to $1.2 billion generated.[29]

Toronto is the home base for Alliance Atlantis, the largest distribution company in Canada,[30] and the 12th largest film and TV distribution company in the world,[31] which distributes films and television across all of North America and parts of Europe.[32] Toronto is also the headquarters of Nelvana, the largest animation company in Canada and one of the largest animation/children's entertainment studios in the world.

Pinewood Toronto Studios located in Toronto, Canada is Canada's largest film and television production complex, with more than 250,000 sq ft (23,000 m2) of production space. It contains the largest purpose-built sound stage in North America,[33] capable of accommodating large blockbuster movies.[34][35][36] Some have credited the completion of Pinewood Studios along with provincial tax credits as being responsible for the late 2000s/early 2010s surge in in-province Hollywood productions. Due to its ability to handle film productions on a scale not previously possible.[28]

The Toronto Film and Television Office reported that in 2005 some 200 productions were completed in Toronto: 39 features, and 44 movies made for television, 84 television series, 11 television specials, and 22 MOW's (movies of the week).[37] The Toronto Film and Television Office issued 4,154 location filming permits for 1,258 projects totalling 7,319 days of shooting.[38] Toronto's domestic production industry benefits greatly financially from large treaty coproductions with international partners.[39]

As with Vancouver, government tax incentives at both the provincial and federal level promote Toronto as a destination for many US film productions. The city is often used as a stand in for New York City and Chicago in film.[40][41]

In addition to being a productions centre, Toronto is the home to the Toronto International Film Festival, which is considered by many in the film industry to be second only to Cannes in terms of influence[42] or in instances actually rivaling it.[43][44] It attracts numerous high-profile actors and film makers form around the globe to premiere their Films in Toronto and is generally considered the tip-off point to which the Oscar races begin.[45][46]

Toronto is home to Canada's Walk of Fame, similar in appearance to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honouring notable Canadians.

Toronto is the headquarters to the majority of Canada's national media outlets including: CBC Television, CTV, Global Television Network, MuchMusic, YTV, and entertainment programs ETalk and Entertainment Tonight. The city is the traditional host for the Gemini Awards, honouring the Canadian television industry.

Vancouver

See also: Category:Films shot in Vancouver, Category:Television series produced in Vancouver, and List of filming locations in the Vancouver area

Vancouver has been used as a filmmaking location for over a century, beginning with The Cowpuncher's Glove and The Ship's Husband, both shot in 1910 by the Edison Manufacturing Company.[47] Isolated by distance from the domestic film production communities in Toronto and Montreal,[48] it became known as "Hollywood North"[49] for its role as a production centre for US feature films shot in British Columbia. The provincial government first established a film development office in 1977 to market the province to the Hollywood community.[48] In 2000, BC crossed the billion-dollar mark in production for the first time,[50] and in 2002, 75% of all Canadian foreign productions were based in British Columbia and Ontario. That same year British Columbia led the country in foreign film production receiving 44% of the Canadian total.[51]

British Columbia held the ranking of third largest production centre for film and television in North America for years, after Los Angeles and New York City,[52] with over 246 motion picture projects and $1.02 billion on production spending in 2010.[39][53] However, declining domestic production in the province through 2011 and less competitive tax rates left BC ranked fourth in overall production after Ontario for the first time since 2004, although it still leads in foreign production.[28][39][52][54]

North Shore Studios - formally Lionsgate Studios - and Vancouver Film Studios are among the two largest special effects stages in Canada.[9][55] VFS being one of the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles;[56] Bridge Studios, in Burnaby, British Columbia, has one of the largest special effects stages in North America.[55] Mammoth Studios, a subsidiary of North Shore studios holds the largest film stages in the world,[citation needed] their largest at 123,883 sq ft (11,509.1 m2).[57]

The BC Film Commission reported that in 2005, more than 200 productions were completed in B.C.: 63 feature films, 31 television series, 37 movies-of-the-week, 15 television pilots, 5 miniseries, 20 documentaries, 16 short films and 24 animation projects.[58] In 2006, spending on film and TV production in B.C. was $1.228 billion. .[59] The Late-2000s recession or sometimes referred to as the December 2007 Recession, hit the film industry financially on all levels. By March 2008, the British Columbia film industry dramatically recovered with film spending at $1.2 billion, with foreign-film production increasing 146 percent and domestic animation by 79 percent. In total, 86 foreign productions including 40 feature-length films, were completed in 2008.[60] The city is also host to the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Vancouver Film and Television Forum.

Over the last few years, many states and provinces have increased their tax incentives matching and even exceeding the ones offered in British Columbia which has made it more competitive for the province. These states include Georgia (30% based on a minimum investment of $500,000[61]), New Mexico (20% Refundable Tax Credit[62]), and North Carolina (25% Refundable Tax Credit[63]).

Vancouver is 1,725 kilometres (1,072 mi) from Hollywood, a three-hour airplane flight[64] or a twenty-one hour drive.[65] It is also in the same time zone as Los Angeles. This relative proximity coupled with government subsidies is a major factor in the growth of Vancouver's production industry.[66] Proximity reduces issues over operating hours, accessibility, travel time for principals, access to filmmaking infrastructure, and experience of crews.[66][67][68] Another reason why foreign producers choose Vancouver to film is because of the consistent cloud cover as this weather naturally diffuses natural sunlight which makes it easier for technicians to add additional light.[citation needed]

See also

Further reading

  • Gasher, Mike (2002). Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia,[4]
  • Spanner, David (2004). Dreaming in the Rain: How Vancouver Became Hollywood North by Northwest,[69]
  • Spencer, Michael (2003). Hollywood North: Creating Canadian Film [70]
  • Trumpbour, John (2003). Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia: An article from: Business History Review.[71]

References

  1. ^ a b 'Montreal Gazette."Movie Making turns Toronto into a Mecca for star gazers". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  2. ^ 'The Windsor Star."Hollywood North Growing Up...Finally". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  3. ^ Steed, Judy (8 September 1981). "Pay Television". The Globe and Mail. p. 7.
  4. ^ a b Gasher, Mike (2002). Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press. ISBN 0-7748-0967-1.
  5. ^ "Hollywood". Lois Siegel. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  6. ^ "New numbers confirm Toronto's rank as Hollywood North". City of Toronto. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  7. ^ "SARS costs for 'Hollywood North' and more". CBC News. March 9, 2004. Archived from the original on March 30, 2008. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "Hollywood North Toronto". Google Inc. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  9. ^ a b "History of Vancouver Film Studios". Vancouver Film Studios. Archived from the original on 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  10. ^ "CBC: Searched for 'Hollywood North'". CBC News. Retrieved 2007-01-02.
  11. ^ "Hollywood North Vancouver". Google Inc. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  12. ^ "'Hollywood North' to grow again". CBC News. November 10, 2000. Retrieved 2007-01-02.
  13. ^ "Steve Jensen's Toronto Star archives for Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans (1956-1957)". Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  14. ^ 'Sarasota Herald-Tribune."Toronto Now Called Hollywood of North ". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  15. ^ 'Youngstown Vindicator."Tax Credit Plan Helps Toronto Gain Stature As Hollywood of the North". Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  16. ^ "Toronto has Earned a New Title". Philadelphia Inquirer. May 26, 1985. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  17. ^ "New numbers confirm Toronto's rank as Hollywood North". Access Toronto. February 6, 2001. Retrieved 2002-02-06.
  18. ^ "The Toronto Ontario Film Office in Los Angeles". OMDC. 2011-06-12.
  19. ^ "The Development of Film Policy in Canada and Japan-Pg.11" (PDF). Keio Communications. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  20. ^ "Ontario Film and Television Production 2008-2010 sorted by format". OMDC. 2011-06-10.
  21. ^ "Progress Report 2012: Economy". Government of Ontario. 2012-086-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Ontario's film & television production records best year ever". Canada Newswire. 2012-08-31.
  23. ^ "Toronto Facts". City of Toronto. Retrieved 2007-01-14.
  24. ^ "Film and Television Industry: 2011 Year in Review" (PDF). City of Toronto. 2012-09-01.
  25. ^ "Total Production Spending in the City of Toronto 2010" (PDF). Toronto Film and Television Office. 2011-06-11.
  26. ^ a b "Film and Television in Toronto" (PDF). Toronto Film and Television Office. 2012-07-01.
  27. ^ "Toronto film industry posts banner year". CTV News. 2012-03-26.
  28. ^ a b c "Ontario film industry outperforming B.C.'s". Business In Vancouver. 2012-03-20. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  29. ^ "Toronto film, TV industry productions in 2012 at highest levels since 2002". Cartt.ca. 2013-04-30.
  30. ^ "Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. Company Profile". Yahoo.com. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  31. ^ "The News from Home". Canadian Geographic. 2011-06-11.
  32. ^ "Marquette University (AIM) Program" (PDF). Marquette university. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  33. ^ "Pinewood Toronto Studios". Retrieved 2011-06-10.
  34. ^ "Official site: FILMPORT". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  35. ^ "Torontoist: "Curtain Rising On New Film Megastudio."". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  36. ^ "Toronto Economic Development Corporation: "FILMPORT to include largest sound-stage in North America."". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  37. ^ "TFTO Statistical Chart" (PDF). City of Toronto. Retrieved 2007-01-14.
  38. ^ "A snapshot: film, television, commercial and music video production in Toronto". City of Toronto. Retrieved 2007-01-15.
  39. ^ a b c "B.C. drops to fourth largest North American film production centre". Straight.com. 2012-08-12.
  40. ^ "Productions shot in Toronto representing New York". Toronto Film and Television Office. 2011-06-11.
  41. ^ "Chloe stars steamy Toronto as itself". CBC. 2011-06-11.
  42. ^ Tobias, Scott (May 2005). "Film Festival Guide". BBC NEWS. Retrieved 2007-02-08.
  43. ^ Ortved, John (May 2007). "Toronto Rising". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
  44. ^ Kopune, Francine (September 2007). "Toronto's Film Festival Rival Cannes". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
  45. ^ "Toronto fires starter's gun for Oscar race". Roger Ebert.com. Retrieved 2007-02-01.
  46. ^ O'Neil, Tom (September 18, 2006). "Top Oscar rivals emerge from Toronto". LA Times. Retrieved 2007-02-09.
  47. ^ Ken MacIntyre. Reel Vancouver. Vancouver: Whitecap Books, 1996. p. 133.
  48. ^ a b Gasher, Mike (2002-08-01). Hollywood North: the feature film industry in British Columbia. UBC Press. pp. 67–. ISBN 978-0-7748-0968-9. Retrieved 12 June 2011. Cite error: The named reference "Gasher2002" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  49. ^ Mike Gasher. Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2002. p. 8.
  50. ^ "Tax scare in Hollywood North". CBC News. 2000-02-08. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  51. ^ "Hollywood North: The Canadian film industry". Statistics Canada. Archived from the original on 2007-07-12. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  52. ^ a b "Who we are". BC Film Commission. 2011-06-10. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
  53. ^ "2010 Production Statistics" (PDF). BC Film Commission. 2011-06-10.
  54. ^ "B.C. film industry seeks tax break in 'bad year'". CBC. 2012-08-12.
  55. ^ a b "BC Film Industry". Hollywood North FilmNet. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  56. ^ "Vancouver Film Industry Overview & Links". Vancouver.com. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  57. ^ "Mammoth Studios". North Shore Studios. 2009.
  58. ^ "Mayor's Office Release". City of Vancouver. Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  59. ^ "?".
  60. ^ Smith, Charlie (March 9, 2009). "B.C. film production up almost 30 percent in 2008". Vancouver Free Press. Vancouver: The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  61. ^ http://www.georgia.org/GeorgiaIndustries/Entertainment/AboutUs/Pages/Incentives.aspx
  62. ^ http://www.nmfilm.com/filming/incentives/
  63. ^ http://www.ncfilm.com/
  64. ^ "Flights to Los Angeles (LAX) from Vancouver, Canada (YVR) on Mexicana". Orbitz, LLC. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  65. ^ "Vancouver, BC, Canada to Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA -". Google Search. Google Maps. 2011-06-11. Retrieved 11 June 2011.
  66. ^ a b "B.C. tries to build up Hollywood North". CBC News. November 13, 1998. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  67. ^ Lederman, Marsha (2010-12-17). "Next Superman film to be shot in Vancouver". The Globe and Mail. Toronto: The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  68. ^ "Foreign filmmakers flocking to B.C.: Makers of foreign television series have decided that B.C. is the place to be, regardless of where in the world it's supposed to represent". Postmedia News. Vancouver Sun. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  69. ^ Spaner, David (2004). Dreaming in the Rain: How Vancouver Became Hollywood North by Northwest. Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press. ISBN 1-55152-129-6.
  70. ^ Spencer, Michael (2003). Hollywood North: Creating Canadian Film. Cantos Publishing.
  71. ^ Trumpbour, John (September 30, 2003). Hollywood North: The Feature Film Industry in British Columbia: An article from: Business History Review. Harvard Business School. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
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