Netflix announced it is creating a dedicated production hub in Toronto, choosing two studio spaces in Toronto that expand its production presence in Canada.
At Cinespace Studios, Netflix will lease four sound stages, along with office space and support space totaling approximately 164,000 square feet, whereas at Pinewood Toronto Studios, Netflix will also lease four sound stages and adjacent office space comprising a total footprint of approximately 84,580 square feet.
In total, both sites will support upcoming Netflix series and films, including the horror anthology series Guillermo del Toro Presents Ten After Midnight, the film Let It Snow and others, which will provide production jobs for up to 1,850 Canadians per year.
The new spaces add to Netflix’s existing physical production footprint in Canada, which already includes a lease of British Columbia’s Martini Film Studios, as well as production sites Netflix sets up across Canada on a production-by-production basis.
Netflix has produced many series and films in Canada starting in 2012 with horror series Hemlock Grove, and including the Emmy Award-winning A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lost in Space, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and films like 1922, The Package, Game Over Man, Christmas Inheritance, Death Note, How It Ends, Hold the Dark, among many others.
In addition, Netflix has partnered with Canadian production partners to co-produce series for global audiences including Anne with an E (CBC), Travelers (Showcase), Frontier (Discovery Canada) and limited series Alias Grace (CBC).
In 2017, Netflix committed to investing $500 million in content production in Canada over the next five years and is currently on track to exceed that investment.
“By putting the right conditions in place to attract jobs and opportunities to the province, our Government working for the People is sending a clear message that Ontario is open for business,” said Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Tibollo. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that Ontario is now one of the most attractive places in the world for investment. We are creating an environment for job creators and workers to thrive, including in Ontario’s industry-leading film production sector.”
“I’ve been excited from day one about the interest Netflix has shown in establishing a much bigger presence in Toronto,” remarked Toronto Mayor John Tory. “Great crews, great studio space, great customer service and great companies like Netflix make Toronto the best place in North America to make television shows and movies.”
“Pinewood Toronto Studios is delighted to be welcoming Netflix to Toronto’s largest purpose-built studio facilities,” said Pinewood Toronto Studios president Nanci MacLean. “Our world-class facilities have been home to iconic and award-winning productions like Star Trek: Discovery, Molly’s Game, Room, Suicide Squad, and IT. With our 200,000 square foot expansion underway, Pinewood Toronto Studios is a hub of creativity and innovation, offering clients the ability to be efficient and flexible, as well as access to Toronto’s stellar production community.”