About Ottawa
Ottawa is known as the heart of Canada, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. From the colorful tulips in Major’s Hill Park to the stunning skyline view of downtown, there’s truly something special about this city. It serves as the nation’s capital and a film and television production hub. Companies like Village Roadshow Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment, and Dhana Vinyl Inc. have chosen Ottawa as their base of operations and are contributing valuable content to Canadian culture.
And it doesn't stop in front of the screen either - with local productions shooting regularly in government buildings, markets, quaint neighborhoods, and studios alike, filmmaking is alive and well in Ottawa. Did you know that one-tenth of all Ontario’s film productions happened here? If you need convincing to visit Ottawa, there you have it. If you're looking for a great place to film your next project, you'll want to check out Ottawa. This picturesque city boasts a wealth of regional attributes that make it perfect for production. Ottawa has something for everyone, from its beautiful parks and architecture to its vibrant arts scene.
And with the booming film industry, it's the perfect place to get your project off the ground. Production companies in Ottawa enjoy generous tax incentives, access to top-notch talent and crew, and various locations. So, if you're looking for a filmmaking hotspot, Ottawa should be at the top of your list.
Production Options in Ottawa
- Staffing
A production company can help with the filming and production by providing experienced professionals who understand filming, lighting, and editing tasks. This will result in a well-made final product.
- Decorations
Consider using decorations and props if you're looking for a particular atmosphere or want to add some special effects to your production. This can be anything from simple items like furniture to more elaborate pieces like costumes and sets. Rent or purchase props and set decorations to create an authentic environment for the film shoot.
- Equipment Rental
Renting production equipment is a cost-effective way to get the desired gear without purchasing it outright. Production companies typically have various equipment available for rent, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and audio equipment. You can rent or purchase the necessary equipment and tools to produce the film.
Production Vendors in Ottawa
- Ajax Creative
Ajax is a video production firm based in Ottawa, Canada. From medium-sized businesses to multi-billion dollar corporations such as Unilever and Air Canada, their full-service video production team strives for the highest level of quality and has assisted leading organizations in achieving emotionally compelling commercials, campaigns, and branded content. Their creative staff and production crew work together to develop an unforgettable visual experience that hooks your audience and compels them to act.
- Dahl House Studios
For over three decades, J Dahl has contributed to the music industry. He enjoys finding and developing new talent and polishing demos for release and production. After years of working in lavish recording studios, J Dahl went digital and now operates a small home studio.
- Henry's
Henry's, a Canadian family-owned business, is a retailer of digital imaging products. With locations nationwide and a strong eCommerce presence, they offer productions and creators an unbeatable selection of over 13,000 hardware and accessories from all the top brands. Henry's is known for its friendly and helpful staff. Henry's can help you get the most out of your experiences by employing over 300 Imaging Experts who specialize in capturing, storing, transporting, and presenting your photo, video, and digital images.
Pros and Cons of Productions in Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada and home to Parliament Hill, is growing increasingly popular with production companies. With its captivating culture and buzzing nightlife, Ottawa offers an optimal setting for film and television shoots. But before renting space in this beautiful Canadian city for your production needs - there are a few advantages and drawbacks that should be considered. Here is a list of pros and cons you ought to consider when planning your movie or TV shoot in Ottawa:
Advantages
- Ottawa offers affordable options for renting production spaces, making it easier for filmmakers or TV producers on a budget to access the facilities they need without breaking the bank.
- The city’s diverse geography, from urban downtown areas to rural farms and forests, provides plenty of opportunities for different shoots.
- With its proximity to Montreal and Toronto, Ottawa has great transportation links, making it easy to move equipment between cities if needed.
Disadvantages
- The weather in Ottawa can be unpredictable at times, which may cause delays or interruptions during filming days.
- Due to its size, some crew members may have difficulty finding work in Ottawa due to limited job opportunities in the city's film industry compared with larger urban centers such as Toronto or Vancouver.
- Accessibility isn't always ideal; specific locations may require cars or special permissions that can add time and cost to productions if not appropriately planned.
Tips on How to Organize Productions in Ottawa
Preparing a space for production in Ottawa requires careful consideration of logistics, cost, and safety. Here is a list of tips to help you plan and organize your space before beginning any production activities.
- Conduct a thorough audit of existing resources: Before organizing your production space in Ottawa, it is important to take stock of all the resources at your disposal. This includes assessing equipment, staff, materials, supplies, and available workspace. Knowing what you have will make it easier to create an effective layout for the space.
- Create a detailed floor plan: A well-designed floor plan is essential for optimizing production efficiency. Consider the size of each workstation or area, their proximity to one another, and how objects or employees will move through the space. Ensure there is enough room for workers to move around without bumping into each other or getting in the way.
- Divide the space into specific zones: When planning your space, divide it into sections based on function or purpose. For example, one section could be dedicated to processing orders, while another could be used as a storage area. Designating separate areas will help ensure that everything stays organized and streamlined.
- Utilize color-coding systems: Color-coding systems allow you to quickly identify different types of products or materials by assigning each type its unique color tag or label and then placing them on shelves or racks accordingly. This makes it easier to find items quickly during production runs without having to search through countless boxes manually each time something is needed.
- Use labels and signs appropriately: Labels provide useful information about where certain items should go or which pieces should be separated from others during assembly processes. In contrast, signs give clear instructions on safety protocols within the premises, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Both labels & signs should be placed prominently throughout your workspace so that all employees understand how to handle various situations quickly and efficiently.
Famous Locations in Ottawa
- Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa is the beating heart of Canada's capital city. Home to Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and a host of other government buildings, it's the country's epicenter of politics and power. But downtown Ottawa is more than just a government town. It's also a thriving center of business, culture, and nightlife. The heated rivalry between the Sens and the Leafs plays out at the Canadian Tire Centre, while the National Arts Centre provides a world-class venue for music, dance, and theatre. And after the workday is done, downtown Ottawa comes alive with its numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs.
- The Glebe
Glebe is a stunning neighborhood in Ottawa composed of elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses. Its residents are known to be wealthy, which is apparent through the haute couture shops and restaurants on Bank Street. Nevertheless, it remains relaxed compared to other high-end neighborhoods. If you're looking for a lovely walk or jog, Glebe Street down to the Rideau Canal presents flourishing greenery and striking 20th-century homes. The Glebe got its name from the word "glebe," meaning church lands. Initially, it was referred to as "the Glebe lands of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church" but was eventually shortened to "the Glebe."
- The Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest in the country and is located in Ottawa. The building was constructed in 1906 by architect Richard Blakey, primarily out of granite from Quebec and New Brunswick. Its design draws inspiration from Neo-Renaissance architecture. The Supreme Court Building is notable for both its architecture and art collection. The front entrance features a large portico with six Corinthian columns every 24 feet in height. The courtroom is two stories tall and has a beautiful stained glass window at the back. Chief Justice Richard Wagner and eight other justices hear cases here daily.