Ontario Technologies Lit Up Toronto International Film Festival

Tuesday, 25 September 2012


McGuinty Government Salutes Innovation in Ontario’s Film and Television Industry

                         


The stars shone brightly at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), thanks in part to made-in-Ontario technologies that brought the next generation of entertainment to screens across the city.

Kitchener-based Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. and Toronto-based Arc Productions are two Ontario companies that are helping to transform movies -- and local economies -- with innovations in 3D projection and computer-generated animation.

This year's festival featured Frost, a short film by the Canadian Film Centre, with dramatic visuals created by Arc Productions. The TIFF Bell Lightbox -- where Frost and many other films had their premieres -- was outfitted with Christie's cutting-edge Solaria Series digital projectors to screen the best in cinema. Other films screened at the Lightbox included the Canadian gems Stories We Tell by Sarah Polley and Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children.

As the third-largest entertainment sector in North America, Ontario's film and television industry supports 30,000 jobs. Last year, the province's film and television industry generated $1.26 billion for Ontario's economy -- 31 per cent more than the year before.

Attracting investment and supporting business is a key part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy. A strong economy protects the services that matter most to Ontario f! amilies: health care and education.



QUOTES

"The Toronto International Film Festival has put a spotlight on Ontario’s booming film and television industry. Our innovative companies, skilled workforce, and attractive business climate are helping to create high-quality jobs at home and cutting-edge entertainment abroad."

 – Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

"Congratulations to TIFF, one of the most important film festivals in the world. Its continued success showcases Ontario as a diverse and cosmopolitan place to live, visit, and do business. The festival makes an important contribution to Ontario’s economy and highlights the province’s role as an international centre for screen industries that create jobs."

 – Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"The Ontario government’s support for Christie’s research and development -- including laser technology, process improvement, and the advancement of our engineering and manufacturing prowess -- enhances Christie’s competitiveness and growth worldwide."

 – Dr. Paul Salvini
Chief Technology Officer, Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.

QUICK FACTS

TIFF’s economic impact is estimated at $100 million annually.
Ontario created 121,300 jobs in 2011-- the highest level of job creation since 2003.
1.4 million people attended the year-round activities of the Toronto International Film Festival Group in 2011.
Science fiction blockbuster Total Recall was shot entirely in Toronto in 2011, and Carrie, Kick-Ass 2, RoboCop and Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim are among major films currently in production in Ontario.
Every million dollars of film and television production in Ontario generates 23 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.
Ontario has cut taxes on business investment in half, making the province more competitive and encouraging new businesses to invest.
LEARN MORE

Get Ontario's 2012 Economic Progress Report.
Learn about Ontario’s film and television industry.
Read Ontario's plan to create jobs and boost the economy.
CONTACTS

Brianna Ames
Minister’s Office, Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation
416-325-6909

Rob Foote
Minister’s Office, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
416-327-4365

Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch, Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation
416-325-2479

Denelle Balfour
Communications Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
416-212-3928

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