Toronto on Screen: Building Canada’s Film Future

Toronto: Canada’s Rising Film Capital

In recent years, Toronto has quietly strengthened its place as one of North America’s most dynamic filmmaking hubs. Between world-class infrastructure, competitive incentives, and the power of TIFF, the city is becoming a top destination for content creators, investors, and studios alike.

🎥 TIFF & the New Film Market

In a bold move, TIFF is officially launching a content market in 2026, bringing film, television, and immersive content together under one roof. tiff.net+2Deadline+2This development positions Toronto not just as a festival city, but as a trading floor for deals, partnerships, and global distribution. With advisory board members drawn from international markets, it’s clear TIFF wants to compete with markets like Cannes, AFM, and others. The Hollywood Reporter+2Deadline+2

💸 Incentives That Make Toronto Production-Friendly

• Ontario’s Tax Credits: • The Ontario Film & Television Tax Credit (OFTTC) offers a refundable credit of up to 35% on eligible Ontario labour expenditures. Government of Canada+2Ontario Creates+2 • The Ontario Production Services Tax Credit (OPSTC) gives ~21.5% refundable credit on production costs (labour + non-labour) for both domestic and foreign productions. Screen Global Production+4Entertainment Partners+4studiotoronto.com+4 • Productions shooting outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) may benefit from a regional bonus — adding an extra ~10% credit. Entertainment Partners+2MP Group CPA+2

• Federal Credits: • The Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) offers ~16% refundable credit on qualified Canadian labour expenditures. Government of Canada • The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) provides about 25% refundable credit on qualified labour for Canadian productions. Government of Canada+2CMPA | Home of Canada's media producers+2

• Stacking Opportunities:Toronto and Ontario’s film incentives are stackable, meaning productions can combine provincial and federal credits for large savings. In some cases, this can translate to savings of 35%+ on labour costs — making it highly attractive for both domestic and foreign filmmakers. studiotoronto.com+5City of Toronto+5studiotoronto.com+5

🏙 Infrastructure, Locations & Talent

Toronto offers a wide variety of landscapes — from urban streets to natural settings — within short drives. The city has also built a mature ecosystem of studios, sound stages, rental houses, post-production facilities, and specialized crew.Furthermore, Toronto’s media and digital media sectors are thriving, with growing tech and VFX talent pools. Toronto Global+3Toronto Global+3City of Toronto+3

The region already sees billions in direct spend each year. Toronto Global

📈 Why Toronto Makes Sense (Especially Now)

• The launch of TIFF’s market gives local producers a home base for deals and connections.

• Incentives make production more affordable, with major tax benefits.

• The city’s infrastructure is mature and accessible.

• Filmmakers can stay in Canada, reduce logistics complexity, and still achieve global reach.

Toronto isn’t just a Canadian film city — it’s becoming a global film engine. If you’re a filmmaker, investor, or creative looking for a place to build projects, Toronto offers the infrastructure, incentives, visibility, and market access to make it happen.