The Whole World in One City: Ottawa with Canadian Storyteller Mita Paulo

Just a short flight from New York City, Ottawa offers a rich cultural landscape doubled by a cost-effective location due to substantial film production tax incentives. As Canada’s National Capital and a prominent G7 city, Ottawa is strategically situated between Montreal and Toronto, making it an increasingly attractive hub for film production with exceptional benefits.

In Ontario, filmmakers can take advantage of a comprehensive array of fully refundable tax credits, coordinated with Federal Tax Credits, including a 21.5% credit for foreign productions. Eligible Ontario productions enjoy a 35% credit, with an additional 10% bonus for filming in Ottawa. First-time producers receive extra support with a higher credit rate of 40% on the first $240,000 of qualifying labor costs. Ottawa’s strong support for animated productions is remarkable, as animation projects that complete at least 85% of key animation outside the GTA in Ontario can also benefit from the valuable regional bonus.

We reached out to Mita Paulo, Canadian storytelling expert, who believes that the whole world and the relationships we build between cultures and generations can be re-imagined in one city: Ottawa. Mita’s stories have already received acclaim in Reader’s Digest UK, earning her international recognition. Some of her prominent stories include “The Hitman,” a story of unlikely alliances; a literary tale of redemption and endurance called “Sweetheart House”; and “Darling Girl,” which explores the uncertainties of friendship. These stories offer new perspectives and compelling narratives that speak to the human experience.

What factors do you believe are contributing to Ottawa’s rise as a significant center for filmmaking?

Ottawa has increasingly become a hub for holiday films, with more than a dozen Christmas films being produced in the city each year. Hollywood stars filming in Ottawa is another key factor, with notable examples including Jennifer Lawrence in the film House at the End of the Street, Mel Gibson in Fatman, and Cuba Gooding Jr. in Sacrifice, which was made entirely in Ottawa, Canada.

How are local initiatives and infrastructure fostering the growth of the film industry in Ottawa?

Ottawa is increasingly becoming a hub for film production, thanks to a variety of supportive initiatives and infrastructure developments. Both local and international production companies can take advantage of several tax credit programs available in the city. These incentives, which include both provincial and federal tax credits, make Ottawa a more attractive location for filmmakers by helping to offset the costs of production. Ontario, in particular, offers some of the most competitive tax credit programs in the country, enhancing Ottawa’s appeal as a “film-
friendly” destination.

In addition, Ottawa is set to open its first major film studio, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for film and television production. This new studio is designed to be a comprehensive solution for high-quality production needs, further strengthening Ottawa’s position as a cost- effective and appealing location for filmmakers. The studio is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy by attracting more productions to the area.

What role does community support play in this growth?

Community support plays a significant role in the growth of the film industry in Ottawa. The local community is highly supportive, offering everything from office space to a variety of boutiques, shops, dining options and nightlife. Many local businesses are enthusiastic about having their properties used as filming locations, which adds to the city’s appeal for filmmakers.

Are there financial incentives, such as tax credits, that are impacting film production in Ottawa?

Yes, financial incentives, particularly tax credits, have had a significant impact on film production in Ottawa. These incentives have attracted major TV networks like Hallmark,Lifetime, and the Oprah Winfrey Network to the city. Collectively, these networks spend more than CAD 50 million (USD 36 million) annually to shoot films in Ottawa. A key factor is the generous tax credit that covers 45% of labor costs, which is 10% higher than what is offered in larger film production centers like Toronto and Vancouver.

What unique advantages does Ottawa offer compared to other filmmaking hubs?

Ottawa presents several unique advantages that set it apart from other filmmaking hubs. Within Ontario, filmmakers can take advantage of a comprehensive set of fully refundable tax credits,which are harmonized with Federal Tax Credits. Notably, foreign productions can receive a 21.5% credit, while eligible Ontario productions enjoy a 35% credit, with an additional 10%bonus for filming specifically in Ottawa. Moreover, Ottawa’s versatility as a filming location is unmatched.

The city offers a diverse range of settings, from big cityscapes to small towns, and features architecture reminiscent of both American and European styles. Filmmakers can find everything from office towers and grand homes to Gothic revival architecture and working-class streets, all within Ottawa’s impressive location roster. In addition to these benefits, Ottawa offers more affordable crew costs,which makes it an appealing choice for filmmakers. The combination of financial incentives, diverse locations, and cost-effectiveness contributes to Ottawa’s growing reputation as a significant center for filmmaking.

How do you envision the future of Ottawa’s film industry evolving over the next five years?

With my films and series in action, I see the film industry in Ottawa evolving tremendously. Making Ottawa a hotspot not only for production but also for employment opportunities.