Film and TV funding ‘transforming’ North Bay-area economy, MPPs say

More money for the film and television industry is coming to North Bay and the surrounding area to keep the so-called Hollywood of the North busy in 2026.

More money for the film and television industry is coming to North Bay and the surrounding area.

A total of $8 million in funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. is coming from the Ontario government to support 10 film and television projects shot in and around North Bay.

“I’ve been here for about six years. We average about five films a year,” said Kelly Martin, producer of Kelly Martin Productions.

“Hideaway Pictures as a whole has done far more than that. I think we’re in the upwards of the mid-80s.”

A booming TV and film industry in the Nipissing District keeps on rolling. Local projects include $2,000,000 for Hideaway Pictures Inc. to produce Season 3 of When Hope Calls and the same amount for Piazza Entertainment to produce Season 4 of SkyMed.

“It’s transforming the economies in North Bay and Sudbury especially. And it helps provide an identity for northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

Often dubbed ‘Hollywood North,’ the industry has employed hundreds of people directly and indirectly in the region, from the set designers and builders to the behind-the-scenes crew and those in front of the camera.

“We are so fortunate in North Bay to have local talent,” Martin said.

“They are such skilled individuals here that don’t get enough credit.”

Canadian actress Cindy Busby plays the role of Nora Anderson in the show ‘When Hope Calls,’ which is shot in nearby Powassan. She called in via video with castmate Nick Bateman to heap praise for the continued investment in film and TV production.

“It’s been it’s been a life-changing experience. It’s been like the greatest opportunity I’ve ever had in my career,” Busby said.

Generated $1B

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said the Ontario government has provided money for the industry for the eight years the government has been in power.

“$60 million has been invested in film in Nipissing since 2018 and that has generated almost $1 billion,” Fedeli said.

While broadcasting companies are keeping a watchful eye on the U.S. tariff situation on foreign-made films, at least one producer said that it’s “bringing a lot less opportunity for buyers to come in and produce.”

Joshua Bowen, co-CEO of Cutting Class Media, said the development has led producers to create shows without necessarily having pre-sales in place, which will then allow them to sell after the fact.

“I think the biggest thing is it helps fill funding gaps that broadcasters are otherwise aren’t filling right now,” Bowen said.

But he notes there is hope that continued interest and focused investment in the north will boost the need for motion-picture talent.