Action! Romano announces millions in provincial funding for Sault’s film industry

A number of films recently shot in Sault Ste. Marie have received a financial boost from the Ontario government.

Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano announced this morning they have funded seven different film and television productions in the area through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

The funding totals over $3.1 million.

“Our government, especially through the NOHFC, has been a very strong supporter of film and TV production right here in Sault Ste. Marie,” Romano said. “It really helps them be able to make a lot of these productions, and it’s something we’re very excited about.”

Leah Jaunzems, a producer who worked on the film Warrior Strong while it was being shot in the Sault two summers ago, feels grateful for the support and hopes the program will continue for many years.

“Both the financial contribution and the support we received from Sault Ste. Marie was so integral in getting this film made,” she said. “This film was about teamwork, and it really did require so many strong team players from across the board. Without that funding and support from NOHFC, we wouldn’t have been able to make this film.”

Film and television productions that were funded through the NOHFC include:

• $1 million for Darius Films Inc. to produce the film Warrior Strong, an inspirational sports story about a struggling high school basketball team, the Dumont Warriors
• $500,000 for 2663645 Ontario Inc. to produce the film A Matter of Chance, a comedy-drama with a mix of romance, revenge and laughs
• $500,000 for Tales From the Void Ltd. to produce Tales From The Void, an episodic horror anthology television series developed from some of the most viral horror stories on the internet
• $500,000 for Stardust Pictures Inc. to produce Wingman, a comedy film based on a character who experiences life challenges including the loss of his fiancé to another man
• $453,206 for 1000477481 Ontario Inc. to produce the film Magnetosphere, a gentle comedy about growing up, told from a neurodiverse 13-year-old girl’s point of view
• $162,558 for Rusty Halo Productions Inc. to produce Armchair Traveller, a comedy film that follows the story of Charlie who is terrified of the outside world and engages the help of his neighbour Ethan to travel the world with him, without leaving the comfort of his living room
• $36,631 for Creator Economy Productions to produce Creator Economy, a documentary film that follows a group of Northern Ontario social media creators as they tell their stories about their social media success in a new era of social influence

These films have brought a number of notable names to the Sault in recent times, including Colin Mochrie (Magnetosphere), Russell Peters (Wingman), Harland Williams (Wingman), and Andrew Dice Clay (Warrior Strong). 

“It’s always great to be able to see these jobs happening and these jobs coming into our community,” Romano added. “It’s helping diversify, it’s creating greater opportunities, and it’s showcasing some of the beauty that we have right here in our backyard which is really special.”

Last November, film producer and Toronto-based land developer Justin Levine, who oversaw Wingman, told SooToday to expect to see more movies shot in the Sault.

He's currently in charge of Stardust Pictures Inc., a recently developed studio space for out-of-town filmmaking teams, in the former CTV building on East Street.

According to its website, the NOHFC promotes and stimulates economic development initiatives in northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stabilize, diversify, and foster economic growth in the region.

Since June 2018, the government says the NOHFC has invested more than $762 million in 6,309 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,750 jobs.

The full media release on this morning’s announcement can be viewed here.