News
January 6, 2022
December 21 FilmOntario Update
2021 FilmOntario AGM
Thank you to all members who joined us for the 2021 AGM on December 2, where we officially launched the new FilmOntario website, designed to do a better job of highlighting our members’ accomplishments and providing the industry with helpful resources.
The meeting was kicked off with a video greeting from Premier Doug Ford, followed by lively remarks by the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Minister Fedeli praised the industry for keeping sets safe throughout the pandemic. City of Toronto Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair of the City’s Film, Television and Digital Media Board, also joined the meeting. She highlighted the City’s recent announcements around new studio space and workforce development activities.
Three new Directors were elected to the FilmOntario Board: Victoria Harding of the Directors Guild of Canada – Ontario, Alistair Hepburn of ACTRA Toronto, and Angela Mastronardi of IATSE 873. We also thanked outgoing Director Monty Montgomerie and outgoing Co-Chair Sue Milling. Sue’s leadership at FilmOntario will be missed, but we are pleased to welcome David Rumley as the new co-chair, effective immediately.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board reviewed the activities of the past year and our priorities for the year ahead – which will include both provincial and municipal elections. We will continue to work on behalf of our members to advocate for stable, effective and modern tax credits, workforce development support, and investment in domestic content creation.
Members who couldn’t attend the meeting can find the year in review document and a recording of the meeting here. The recording has also been updated to include closed captioning.
COVID-19 Restrictions
The Province of Ontario has introduced new capacity limits in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Effective Sunday, December 19, capacity limits in most indoor public settings have been reduced to 50%. As of Saturday, December 18, capacity for film and television productions with studio audiences where audience capacity is greater than 1,000 has also been capped at 50% of audience size (does not include those working on the production).
The regulations related to the current indoor public gathering restrictions can be found here. Productions should note that local public health units may have additional restrictions and you should check with the local film or economic development office before filming.
At the present time, the federal government is recommending against any non-essential international travel. As the requirements for entering or returning to Canada may continue to change, all are encouraged to check the federal travel restrictions regularly.
FilmOntario will continue to liaise with our government and political partners to remain informed of any potential changes to health and safety restrictions in the province. We encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as they are able, including getting a third shot, and always, to stay safe.
Add Your Logo or Photo to the Website!
One of the goals of the new website is to better highlight you, our members. To that end, we are asking you to provide a logo or photo that represents your company, to be featured in our member directory. All you have to do is send Cynthia the image you want to use.
We will also be highlighting a rotating selection of members on the front page of the site. If you want to be one of the first to be highlighted, send us your image now!
Electronic Tax Credit Certificates
Ontario Creates has announced that as of December 6, 2021, tax credit certificates will be issued electronically.
Starting December 6, applicants will receive a pdf version of their tax credit certificate attached to a message sent through the Online Application Portal (OAP). Applicants who received a certificate number through the OAP for applications certified between March 17, 2020 and December 3, 2021 will also receive a pdf of their certificate through the OAP.
The electronic certificates should be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency along with your corporate tax return. If you have further questions about this process or the tax credits in general, please contact the Ontario Creates Tax Credits department directly.
Happy Holidays from FilmOntario
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank all our members for their ongoing support throughout 2021. As an industry, we worked together to keep the industry working safely during what was another difficult year.
We wish you and your families all the best for a safe and restful holiday season, and we look forward to continuing our work together in 2022.
News to Share?
If there are any updates or announcements you would like to share with your fellow FilmOntario members, please don’t hesitate to let me know at clynch@filmontario.ca and I will include them in the next member update.