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Film set of "Let it Snow"

The City of Brantford’s new film policy establishes a framework for continued success through fairness, transparency, and flexibility for productions, businesses, and residents.  The policy responds to changes in the film, television, and media industry. 

Visit the Film Policy Page

The industry continues to rapidly grow in Ontario as the global appetite for streaming video content rises. Many factors fuel the Ontario expansion including the concentration of talent, the availability of unique and diverse locations, the value of the Canadian dollar, and the attractive Provincial tax credit program.  In 2018, the industry produced 324 major projects in Ontario, added nearly $1.9 billion to the economy, and supported approximately 37,000 related jobs.  This year, growth is expected to significantly surpass that of last year.

The increase represents great opportunity locally.  Brantford welcomed 9 productions in 2019 which represented nearly $1 million in production budgets dedicated to filming in the city.  This translated into approximately 430 industry professionals working on locations in Brantford generating an estimated 650 hotel room nights and over $100,000 in direct revenue to the City.  Demand to film here in 2020 seems to be even greater.

In anticipation of the growth, the City introduced in December a film policy to support and streamline film development in Brantford.  The policy identifies the significance of the industry along with its local benefits, lays the framework for collaboration between and responsibilities of all parties, and recognizes the fluid nature of film production.  It will guide municipal activities and responses to support productions.  Its overall goals and objectives are to:

  • Establish Brantford as a film friendly city;
  • Create a transparent, efficient, and adaptable municipal administrative process;
  • Protect the City from any claim or suit arising from film productions;
  • Uphold the rights, safety, and privacy of residents and businesses; and,
  • Help recover costs associated with supporting film.

Within the policy, an efficient and fair procedure for working with film is introduced.  Beginning in 2020, productions filming on municipal property, including streets, or in municipal facilities require a filming permit.  A nominal fee for the permit (which may be waived for very small or non-profit productions), as well as a general security deposit, will be phased-in starting in 2021.  The policy also contains specifics on traffic stoppages and road closures, deposits, parking, notifications, insurance, location activities, production activities, and much more.  The general process for obtaining a permit is as follows, noting of course that the City will endeavor to be flexible where possible to support changes in production scheduling.

  1. The production will consult with the City’s Film Liaison to identify the complexity and unique needs of the project.  This is to occur at least 15 business days prior to the arrival of crews on location (coning).
  2. The City will issue a Consultation report identifying requirements and timelines.  This will be issued no less than 12 business days prior to coning.
  3. The production will complete a formal permit application ensuring that all necessary approvals, scheduled resources, notifications, insurance, payments, and supporting paperwork are in place and proof of such is included.  This is to be completed no less than 10 business days prior to coning.
  4. If all is in order, the City will issue a permit a film permit within 3 businesses of the application.
  5. The production must complete all identified, outstanding documentation and obtain remaining required approvals no less than 5 business days prior to coning.

With this policy, Brantford seeks to become increasingly film friendly.  The City is excited to partner with small and large productions as well as stakeholders in the community to develop and promote a creative, collaborative, respectful win-win environment for everyone. 

Questions or suggestions regarding film in Brantford should be directed to the Film Liaison.