City Guide Filming in Toronto, ON
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: Free (may be subject to change)
- Film Permit Application Fee: Free (may be subject to change)
Minimum Insurance
- Commercial General Liability of at least $2 million per occurrence.
- All other insurance requirements to be communicated to applicants by the Film, Television and Digital Media Office where required.
Additional Permits
- Fire Hydrant Use Permit
- Grid Permit: $100
- Location Permit: 150
- Parks Permit: $200
Discounts
- Local News: Free
- Students: Free
About Toronto
There’s no way to talk about filming and media activities in Canada without mentioning Toronto. That’s simply because this capital city of Ontario has long been a leading centre for motion picture productions, music, theatre, and television activities. In fact, it is, for various reasons, considered as one of the top destinations for filming in North America.
First off, the city is home to the largest purpose-built sound stage in North America – Pinewood Toronto Studios – where producers can do and undo, according to their film production size and budget. Even more, the city features several post-production facilities, unique locations that are perfect for diverse scripts and easily double for other cities (like Chicago), cultural institutions and historic sites, as well as service companies that offer top-notch production-related services to aid filmmakers. Little wonder why more than 7,000 location shoots take place in Toronto on a yearly basis.
The tax credits that the city offers to film and television production companies is yet another reason why many find it hard to resist setting up their cast and crew here. Not to mention the great support that the government authorities in the city and province offer to the film and TV production sector. Knowing that popular movies and TV series such as The Boys, Shazam, Reacher, Suits, The Incredible Hulk, etc., filmed in Toronto should drive the point home. So, find your own filming location in Toronto with Giggster now!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Toronto?
In order to carry out filming projects such as documentaries, short films, features, music videos, student films, commercials and large feature productions in public properties in Toronto, you will require a filming permit. In essence, filming on city properties, in general, such as city-owned buildings, sidewalks, streets, etc. require film permits.
For film projects that involve (the use/services of) fire hydrant grounding, Toronto water facilities, city parks, paramedic services, firearms, pyrotechnics, drones, road closures, etc., a film permit is a must before the production can take place in Toronto. If you are in doubt about whether your film project will require a permit in Toronto, the City of Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Office is always ready to offer guidance on what the filming regulations in Toronto are, so feel free to reach out to the office via email.
Permit Management in Toronto
Film, Television and Digital Media Office
The City of Toronto’s Film, Television and Digital Media Office (often called film office) is in charge of coordinating and issuing film permits for location filming in Toronto. In cases where a film project requires collaboration with external agencies such as those of police officers, emergency medical services, fire safety services etc., the film office provides relevant information and contact details of the applicable agency. However, it is the responsibility of the filmmaker to get in touch with the agency and firm up necessary arrangements ahead of the commencement of the film shoot.
To obtain a permit from the film office, the following considerations are essential:
Apply for the permit at least two full business days before the start date, excluding the day the application is submitted;
Some applications require up to three full business days to process, such as if the film requires the use of a city park;
All applications must be submitted during business hours;
Provide comprehensive general liability insurance prior to applying for the film permit;
Notify the community, residents, and business owners that will be affected by the film project;
Secure the services of the necessary agencies that will be required for the film project as per Toronto filming laws.
As for student filmmakers, the school name should be used as the production company. Even though some student film projects may not require a permit from the office, there will be no student filming between 11pm and 7am, nor will any special activity that requires police supervision or approval be allowed.
What Insurance Do I Need in Toronto?
To film in the City of Toronto, the required insurance documentation is a certificate of insurance (COI) that stipulates a general comprehensive public liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence in order to cover the city against claims from third parties for the entire period of the production. To that end, the COI must include The City of Toronto, 100 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 as additional insured. In the event that the insurance policy is to be amended or cancelled, the film office must be notified in writing and consent given ahead of such modification.
For student filmmakers in the city, there are two categories as far as insurance is concerned:
When the filming is part of school work, the insurance certificate/policy of the school will suffice;
For filming that is not part of academic work, especially for post-secondary school students, the student is required to provide a COI that’s different from that of the school.
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Toronto?
If there’s one thing Toronto is known for in the film industry, it certainly is the diverse locations within the city that favor a wide range of productions. The city is the kind of place where you can settle in with your crew and be able to shoot every scene in your script without having to leave until production is complete.
To start with, Toronto is an attractive destination for film production because it easily doubles for lots of places in the US as well as other countries outside North America. For instance, producers have successfully used locations in Toronto to shoot sets in New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, as well as places in Morocco, London, Paris, Tehran, and a host of other locales.
Furthermore, there are amazing spots such as streets, bookstores, high-end hotels, event centres, parks, gardens, alleys, art galleries and museums, apartment buildings, churches, restaurants, and pizzerias that are easily adaptable to various preferences. Toronto is also known for its state-of-the-art studios that support a full range of small and large productions e.g., Pinewood Toronto Studios, AstroLab Studios Inc., and Revival Film Studios.
There’s no Toronto without the high-rise buildings in the city, seeing as the city has well over 75 buildings above 150 metres. Condos also abound in the city, having been one of the main architectural styles here since the turn of the 21st century. These provide additional filming locations for production companies.
Special Requirements in Toronto
Union Station
The historic Union Station is one of the hotspot sites in the city for film and TV productions, and that has been the case since the 1970’s. The first step towards securing a film permit for Union Station is sending a/an request/application via email, at least two weeks ahead of the shooting. You will then get information about the fees, insurance, and licensing requirements for your permit/production and plan accordingly.
Toronto Transit Commission
Filming on Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) facilities, which include streetcar, subway, bus, and paratransit services may require a film permit issued by the Commission. If you are by yourself or with family on tour and intend to film in a public area within the TTC transit system for non-commercial reasons, you won’t need a permit. You only need to ensure that your filming does not disturb the smooth operation of the transit system and passengers.
Commercial filmmakers, on the other hand, require a permit, and depending on the nature of the project and where you intend to film, you may need to also have a meeting with TTC staff. In general, a film permit request requires the following depending on whether the filming is inside the TTC station alone and/or inside a train:
A written application;
A work plan which may be required at least 5-13 business days prior to filming depending on the scope of the project;
General liability insurance cover of between $2,000,000 to $10,000,000 minimum depending on the scope of the production, with TTC added as named insured;
Minimum property permit fee of $250 + HST.
What Does it Cost to Film in Toronto?
Toronto has long been known as one of the big cities that provides film permits for free! That’s one of the unique things about the city. However, this may be subject to change as there are recommendations for fees to be implemented by the Film & Entertainment Industries, Economic Development & Culture, Toronto. Under the proposed fee schedule, there is to be a three-tier system where Tier 1 includes features, series, mini-series, and pilots; Tier 2 includes commercials, documentaries, reality television, music videos, and short films; while Tier 3 includes local news and student films.
Additional Fees
Besides the fees for location shoots on Toronto-owned and operated properties and streets, filmmakers may be charged additional fees for film-related services and activities within the city, as well as for hiring any city staff for their expertise and knowledge.
Toronto remains one of Canada’s most convenient filming destinations and applying for a film permit and taking advantage of the city’s essential resources and services come with numerous benefits. Be sure to plan and budget carefully to make the most of filming in the city of Toronto.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Toronto?
Toronto sits on the banks of Lake Ontario which lies to the south. On the western end, the city is bordered by Eglinton Avenue, Etobicoke Creek, and Highway 427. Steeles Avenue and Rouge River lie north and east of the city respectively. As for the adjoining neighborhoods, Brampton and Mississauga lie west in the Region of Peel, while Markham and Vaughan are located north within the Region of York. Pickering, east of the city of Toronto, is located in the Region of Durham.
Region of Peel
To film on roads owned/managed by the Regional Municipality of Peel, you require a certificate of insurance of $5,000,000 minimum, and must pay the application fee of $204.40 by credit card. You will need to fill a Road Closure Application Form too and ensure your application is sent in at least ten business days before commencement of filming. For inquiries about film permits that are specific to locations within, or facilities owned by, Mississauga and Brampton, contact the respective cities.
Region of Durham
Filming on regional roads in Durham requires a permit which the filmmaker has to apply for at least ten full working days before the start of the filming project. The number of days may, however, change depending on the scope of the film project. Another important requirement for filming is the notification letter to residents and businesses that will be affected by the project – this must go out at least 48 hours before the project starts. For further information about the filming requirements in the Region, contact the Durham Region Film Commission.
As for the city of Pickering, the film permit fee is set at $250 plus HST ($282.50), while the general commercial insurance is a minimum of $5,000,000. The city connects applicants that wish to use a city-owned facility or public park with the appropriate staff to help handle the agreement/permit.
Outreach in Toronto
According to the filming laws in Toronto, every film production team must send out a written notice to the residents, businesses, and business improvement areas that will be affected by the film project at least 48 hours before the project starts. Before distribution, however, the applicant is required to present the letter to a designated Film Permit Coordinator for review. Changes require a 48-hour notice as well, while the film office must get prior notice two full business days ahead. The film office takes responsibility for notifying the city councillors in whose ward(s) the filming will take place ahead of the filming.
Community Management in Toronto
It is up to the filmmaker to ensure that their production causes only minimal disruption to the activities and livelihoods of the residents and occupants, as well as the business owners in the city, particularly where the filming is set to take place. In some cases, voluntary compensations for disruptions caused can be arranged by the filmmaker, if required. Forums, such as town hall meetings and open houses, also play a key role in strengthening the bond between the production company and the host community.
Conclusion
Filming in Toronto is always a business activity that’s spiced with plenty of pleasurable experiences, and film production companies that know this hardly think twice before returning to the city for even more projects. The fact that the city has, for decades, been a go-to place in Canada for large productions, feature films, TV series, and a host other small productions simply lends credence to how welcoming Toronto is to folks in the film industry.
One of the things that will welcome you to this city, if you have an eye for it, is the plethora of locations that will perfectly suit different aspects of the projects. There’s simply no gainsaying the fact that every producer’s mind is blown by how much they can achieve with what Toronto offers! Even beyond the locations, the working environment, fostered by clear filming guidelines and encouraging tax credits, make this capital city of Ontario one place you don’t want to leave out of your project. If you’re considering filming in Canada, then Toronto definitely has to be on your list!