Maple News reports that Canada’s television and film production sector is witnessing a healthy revival after an extended period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As global restrictions ease and safety protocols strengthen, production activity is ramping up across multiple provinces, reaffirming Canada’s reputation as a key destination for the film and television industry.
British Columbia, a production powerhouse in Canada, has seen a significant resurgence. The City of Surrey, previously on track to break records in film permitting before the pandemic paused activity, now hosts between 40 and 50 active productions. Industry professionals point to June 2020 as a turning point, with a steady increase in filming ever since.
The return of U.S.-based productions to Canadian soil has also accelerated this recovery. Factors such as better COVID-19 management and testing infrastructure in Canada have persuaded several American studios to move their projects north. Notably, the upcoming film ‘Hypnotic,’ starring Ben Affleck, has shifted its production from California to Vancouver.
Manitoba was among the first provinces to restart its film and television operations in early June, followed closely by Quebec. Ontario, including Toronto — one of Canada’s largest production hubs — officially reopened for filming by mid-June. Recent weeks have seen high-profile projects like Netflix productions and the film ‘Nightmare Alley’ (starring Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper) resume shooting in Toronto. The city has already issued approximately 400 film permits since filming restarted.
The Canadian government, both federal and provincial, has taken active measures to support the sector’s restart. Financial backing, safety regulations, and updated health protocols have played critical roles in instilling confidence across the industry.
With its robust infrastructure, experienced crews, and renewed momentum post-COVID disruptions, Canada is once again proving its value as a top-tier location for global film and television productions.