Toronto is Canada's largest city and has an amazing global reputation. Part of that reputation is its film production hub, with cityscapes, diverse culture, and a rich history, making it a favoured choice for filmmakers. Toronto offers various backdrops that are used in both independent films and large blockbusters. We will cover a variety of iconic film locations in the next few months, but to start, we will be talking about the iconic and artistic city of Toronto.
While Toronto has become a hub for filmmaking, it is not always the actual setting of these films. The city is usually a stand-in for major American cities like Boston, big cities in Texas, and even New York City in some films. The city's beautifully dense skylines and the streets with such diverse cultures making it an easy replacement for other large cities.
Another large reason for Toronto's popularity in the industry is the cost of filming. Not just Toronto but Canada has a way lower cost of living, which makes filming a movie a lot less expensive. The Varsity, a paper run by students at the University of Toronto, discusses how much filmmakers can save and outlines that: “various tax credits can save filmmakers up to 45 per cent on qualified labour costs, as well as up to 35 per cent on total production costs”. With this amount of money being saved, it gives the crew a chance to use more of the budget on marketing, the music for the film, or even for future projects.
We would be remiss if we did not discuss Toronto's natural beauty in a variety of different areas. The city is made up of numerous parks and waterfronts, which are important to have in a film set. There are trials and calming ponds that provide a still contrast against the city's busy streets. Along with the natural backdrops is the immense culture that is all around. Toronto is home to neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy. These streets have a blend of scenic architecture, street life, and, of course, multicultural communities. With its picturesque landscape and cultural lifestyle, it is a place that will provide a film with an authentic feel and allow it to capture the essence of any big city around the world.
Toronto is one of the most iconic film locations in the industry and will continue to have that title for years to come. Whether it's a stand-in for a different city or offering a beautiful natural setting, Toronto is providing filmmakers with a range of cinematic possibilities. Films like Good Will Hunting dir. Gus Van Saint, Hairspray dir. Adam Shankman, and Suicide Squad dir. James Gunn and David Ayer were all filmed in the amazing city of Toronto. As the city continues to evolve, there is no doubt that it will remain a popular location in the film industry for many years.
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