William F. White Centre Opening Marks Toronto Production Boom

TORONTO -- The star-driven launch of the new $20 million William F. White Centre production equipment complex in Toronto Thursday night is the latest sign of a boom in Canadian film and TV production.

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Paul Bronfman, chairman and CEO of William F. White International, put the current production spike that has seen Columbia’s $200 million Total Recall remake and David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis shoot locally down to Ontario’s 25% all-spend tax credit and strong Canadian film and TV production.

“When they (Americans) aren't here, when they decide they want the crab in New Orleans for a few days, there’s the indigenous production to keep us going,” Bronfman, who is also chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios, said.

Ontario cultural minister Michael Chan added the province was committed to its foreign film tax credit for Hollywood producers, even as a host of U.S. states reduce or scrap their tax incentives.

“Today’s economy is changing. To keep pace, we need to act pro-actively. We must continue to support the creative sector,” Chan explained.

The new 338,000 square-foot William F. White Centre complex in west Toronto is also part of a soundstage expansion westwards away from the city’s waterfront.