Jennifer Lacelle
Apr 20, 2023
Films of Spring 2023 in Northern Ontario
It's that time of year again! Despite the continuous rounds of snow in Northern Ontario, filmmakers have begun their projects and crew are back on the road. That also means now is the perfect time to get your foot in the door.
What's Filming Now:
CBC's Sky Med (S2) is currrently filming (North Bay) and is expected to run until close to the end of June. It follows a team of specialists who take to the skies and rescue people in need of medical attention. It features a range of diverse characters and spunky storylines as the stories develop overtime. While they're all crewed up, they may be looking for additional Background Performers as they continue shooting into the early summer.
North Bay is abuzz with the Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney film, Everything's Going to Be Great, this month. It's a coming-of-age story where Les, played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio), is trying to lead his life toward the path of theater! The tale is bound to leave everyone involved speechless and excited.
Shoresy, the spin-off series from Letterkenney, is ramping up in Sudbury and they're hitting the ice hard this year with season two. Likely looking for a great number of Background Performers, keep your eyes and ears to the ground - this is a project you won't want to miss.
Rumoured & Upcoming:
One of the north's major producers, David Anselmo, is gearing up for another big year! While it's unclear at this stage how many projects are going to take place, the trademark made-for-tv-movies are bound to keep local crew and cast busy. Swing Into Romance is rumoured to be the first of the Anselmo-produced films this spring.
A little later in the summer is a Bronfman film, Heads You Lose, which is going to be shooting in the Sudbury region!
Unmasked, another feature film, is going to be taking place in Sudbury in late summer/early autumn.
Feature film Joey & Jolene, of which little is known currently, has been on CION's Hotlist for awhile now. We're looking forward to seeing this film pick-up as it's supposed to start prep in May 2023.
You:
It isn't easy to step foot into the film industry, no matter the city. However, there are a number of resourses at your disposal if you're interested.
Northern Ontario Talent for Film: a Facebook group dedicated to Background Performer casting calls and the like. It's a great way to get in the door and make sure the Casting Directors have your name and photo on file.
That Creative Loft: a small, dedicated school to training actors and models for success in the film world! Owned and operated by Kelly Lamb, who is herself trained and experienced, you'll find a great resourse in learning the ins and outs of the industry here and upgrading your skills.
CION Hotlist: if ever in doubt, you can see what's filming and when.
DGC Hotlist, Ontario: this is a practical resource as it will list shows from across the province, not just what's filming close to home.
Furthermore, once that foot's in the door you'll get to make important connections with others. Getting to know the people around you is a great way to make friendships and learn! Of course, reaching out in regards to jobs is important too. Sometimes it can be a little nerve wracking. But if you can get yourself training from IATSE 634 (Sudbury) you might just get a permit, which can help you get more work on the crew side of things.
Just keep in mind that what the media shows is usually the glamourous side of filmmaking. It makes for long hours, and sometimes long commutes, and you'll need grit, determination, sometimes a hard skin and probably even stronger coffee. However, if you have a knack for creativity, teamwork and feel accomplished after hard work this might just be the industry for you! In short, put in the work and effort, you'll find your way.
