Ottawa Film Office (OFO) is moving ahead on plans to build the first major studio facility in the Canadian capital city as the region seeks to respond to the rising demands of streamers and boost film and television production.
The proposal is in early stages and OTO envisions the facility will span 60,000 to 80,000 sq ft and house three 20,000 sq ft stages, according to Jeff Westeinde, a partner at THEIA Partners and chair of the OFO’s soundstage subcommittee.
Approximately 22 acres of land 20 minutes from the Ottawa International Airport and downtown Ottawa have been leased from the National Capital Commission for the development. The City of Ottawa approved the project’s financial structure in 2019.
OTO announced on Tuesday that it had issued a Request For Expression of Interest (RFEOI), prepared by local consulting firm GBA. This invites developers and operators, to outline their track records in project management, audiovisual industry experience and outline financial expectations and a suggested funding strategy. OFO’s soundstage subcommittee will review the submissions and eventually decide on partners.
Ottawa Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos (pictured) said, “Ottawa’s film industry is growing, contributing $120million
annually. In 2023, despite global challenges, the city completed over 40 productions. We predict that 2024 will be a record-breaking year. The city benefits from the province of Ontario’s fully refundable tax credits, aligned with federal tax credits, including a 21.5% credit for international productions.[C$]For eligible Ontario productions there is a 35% credit, with an additional 10% bonus for filming in Ottawa. First-time producers get added support through an increased credit rate of 40% on the initial C$240,000 of qualifying labour expenses.
Animation projects that generate at least 85% of key animation outside the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario also qualify for the regional bonus.
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