Filmmakers love Niagara, but without a regional film office, getting productions off the ground can turn into a logistical nightmare, says location scout and production manager Peter Donato.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic charm and scenic views attract film and television productions, but disorganized regulations and permit hurdles drive companies elsewhere, he said.
Donato and television producer and scriptwriter Nigel Napier-Andrews have been pushing for a Niagara film office for nearly two years to streamline the process and boost the region’s economy.
The two champions formally proposed the idea to the region in July 2023, which received support from Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.
Part-time NOTL resident Donato and full-time resident Napier-Andrews have their own production company, recognized by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, called Two Mile Creek Productions — they know what the hassle is like.
On March 7, Donato hosted a gathering at Peller Estates and discussed the initiative’s next steps. While Napier-Andrews was unable to attend, the gathering helped set up meetings.
One meeting was with Dean Spironello, economic development officer for the city of Niagara Falls, on March 10 — which was encouraging, he said.
Spironello is working on a film permit policy for the city, looking to Hamilton, Kingston and London as models.
Hamilton alone issued 900 film permits worth $73 million in 2022, Donato said.
“Because of what me and Nigel are doing, we’re waking up some of these regions,” he said.
But Donato said the entire Niagara region needs to act.
He met with George Spezza, director, and Marco Marino, associate director at Niagara Economic Development, on March 12 and questioned whether film is receiving fair investment compared to other regional economic strategies.
Marino mentioned upcoming marketing funds and how they could promote Niagara as a film destination to, for example, Toronto International Film Festival audiences.
But Donato was skeptical and thought Marino didn’t provide enough detail.
It’s good to remind people that Niagara is a great place to film — but, Donato argues, promoting the region without proper infrastructure for permits, locations and resources won’t help.
“To me, that’s just throwing more money out the window,” he said. “We’re not ready for that.”
Donato wishes he saw more effort from Niagara Economic Development.
“We’re doing all the dirty work, me and Nigel, on film research.”
Niagara Economic Development’s Eric Chou previously launched a film page on the region’s website, featuring a survey for productions looking to film in Niagara.
But Donato said trade and investment manager Chou is too busy with his job to properly handle inquiries and coordinate logistics and that the region’s approach needs to go beyond its online survey.
The form asks questions like types of locations productions need, i.e., street scenes, rural areas, etc. and asks which municipalities film productions are interested in filming in.
“It’s not very efficient,” he said. “And the key to film and television is to be professional, quick, thorough, (and) efficient.”
A film office, he argues, would function as a one-stop shop for permits, location scouting, industry connections and logistical support.
“We could list the right, direct contact to call if, for example, it was a production wanting access to NOTL and we knew that the events person at the Town was the first key contact,” he said.
It would also ensure Niagara’s full range of filming locations is listed, which would attract more film projects to the region and result in more revenue, such as from permits and tourism.
So a film office would need a team who’s experienced on sets, passionate about film and knows the industry, he said.
Donato recalled how a production company wanted to film in Niagara-on-the-Lake last August, drawn by Old Town’s aesthetics and horse-drawn carriages.
But the town’s economic development officer, Ashleigh Myers, said shutting down Old Town in peak season wasn’t feasible.
Donato said he would have suggested alternatives, such as filming early in the morning or in other Niagara towns.
“A good film office fights for that production to come.”
With 12 governments in Niagara, he said, having a centralized office becomes particularly important to prevent delays and inefficiencies in the permitting process.
Film offices generate revenue through permits, but Donato said the value lies in growing a thriving film industry.
He and Napier-Andrews are actively seeking grants and funding for the initiative, and with a summer fundraiser in the works, Donato hopes to see the curtains rise on Niagara’s film scene soon.
