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Movie magic doesn’t appear with the flick of a wand; it’s the labour, creativity, and teamwork of skilled technicians and artists that truly make it happen. And increasingly, projects in Northern Ontario are relying on the efficacy of a homegrown workforce that boasts expertise developed in tandem with the region’s rise as one of Canada’s liveliest production jurisdictions.
Whether brand-new to the industry or looking to upskill, CION’s ongoing advocacy for skills development opportunities at the regional level produces training opportunities that eliminate barriers for those that want to work in one of the coolest industries out there.
Finding Film & TV Work
Crew Database
CION’s Crew Database is a one-stop resource for hiring film crew in Northern Ontario. Create a profile and start showcasing your skills to producers who are looking to crew up their next project.
The Hotlist
CION’s Hotlist tracks film and television productions expected to go to camera in Northern Ontario. Oftentimes, producers will use it to advertise specific crew needs. Keep an eye out for leads!
Career Consultations
CION offers complimentary workforce development consultations for aspiring crew members. Reach out any time to learn about resources, events, or training programs that can help kickstart a career behind the scenes!
Skills Development Programs
CION works with partners across the economy to program accessible development sessions that train new crew and creators to be ready for work on set and help established talent level up their careers.
Recent examples include the Northern Ontario Film Crew Training Sessions and the Locations Scout Training programs, along with annual and biennial conferences like Cinema Summit and the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards (NOMFA). For more information about upcoming development sessions administered by CION or its partners, follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) and sign up for our newsletter.
For more information about film sector skills development opportunities and education in Northern Ontario:
Canadore College
Offers programs conducive to careers in the regional film and television production industry, including Acting for Stage and Screen, Digital Cinematography, Digital Media Production, and more.
Confederation College
Through the Conflix Film School, offers the Film Production Program (2-years) to prepare graduates for successful careers in the film and television production industry.
Near North Mobile Media Lab
Near North Mobile Media Lab (N2M2L) is a registered non-profit that provides the tools media artists, students, filmmakers and audiences in Northern Ontario need to produce, present and enjoy contemporary media arts in all its forms.
SCRIPTFESTtm
A grassroots collective that gives emerging directors the tools, support, and space to pitch, develop, and produce original short films in Sudbury, Ontario.
The Weengushk Film Institute
WFI is rooted on the scenic Manitoulin Island and serves as a beacon for emerging storytellers from Indigenous and diverse communities. We provide a transformative education in film and media arts, blending creativity, tradition, and professional mentorship to cultivate the next generation of creators.
Guilds, Unions, and Screen Offices
ACTRA Toronto
With the largest membership of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, ACTRA Toronto represents performers in Ontario’s film, radio, television, and new media industries.
Black Screen Office
Through ground-breaking research, innovative workforce initiatives and education and advocacy, the BSO creates and supports opportunities for Black Canadians to have thriving careers in the screen industries and to share their onscreen stories globally.
Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)
The Canadian Media Producers Association is Canada’s trade association for independent producers, and represents hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels.
Directors Guild of Canada – Ontario
The Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario is a provincial labour organization representing key creative and operational specialists in the following categories: Directors, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Location Managers, Production Designers & Art Directors, Accountants, Picture & Sound Editors, Post Production Supervisors, and their respective departmental assistants.
Disability Screen Office
The Disability Screen Office is a national, bilingual, disability-led not-for-profit organization whose mission is to develop opportunities for disabled creatives and advocate for a more accessible Canadian screen industry.
IATSE 634
IATSE Local 634 represents artists, technicians, and craftspeople who work primarily in film, television, and stage production in Northern Ontario, and have an ongoing training program with a strong emphasis on safety and promoting the North.
IATSE 667
IATSE Local 667 represents camera professionals and unit publicists who work in all phases of Motion Picture productions filmed or electronically recorded. The IATSE Local 667 membership is composed of unit publicists and a variety of professional camera people working in different positions based on their experience, skills, and the nature of the recorded media.
IATSE 411
Representing Production Coordinators, Craftservice Providers, and Honeywagon Operators working in the motion picture and television industry, IATSE Local 411 works in tandem with all the other Unions, Guilds and Associations in the Toronto area and has jurisdiction for its members across the province of Ontario.
Indigenous Screen Office
The ISO champions Indigenous screen-based storytellers and narrative sovereignty in Canada through funding, advocacy, and programs. The ISO supports Indigenous companies, communities and individuals to share their diverse stories and perspectives across all screen platforms.
Writers Guild of Canada
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) is a professional association of more than 2,500 English-language screenwriters. WGC members are the creative force behind Canada’s successful TV shows, movies, and web series, and their work brings the diversity of Canadian life and culture to the world’s screens.
Classrooms & Career Fairs
In communities across the region, CION’s Workforce Development Officer hosts engaging information sessions about career pathways in the film and television production industry for students and job seekers. Look for CION at career fairs, employment agencies, and industry events in Northern Ontario, or reach out to coordinate a special session for your clientele or students!
These sessions can cover a wide variety of topics including but not limited to film and television departments; distinct roles and responsibilities; industry terminology; regional resources; guilds and unions; skill development opportunities; finding crew callouts; and working on sets.
Want CION to host a film industry careers session for your classroom?
Workforce Assessment and Studio Infrastructure Report
The Northern Ontario Workforce Assessment and Studio Infrastructure Report is a market analysis of Northern Ontario’s current and projected workforce capacities as they relate to recent developments in the regional film and television production industry. The report was conducted with support from Ontario Creates.
The goal of this report is to inform future workforce and infrastructure developments that can support the sustainability of Northern Ontario’s competitive advantage in the film and television production industry. Generating roughly $137 million of production spend in 2022, Northern Ontario has emerged as one of the fastest-growing production jurisdictions in North America.
Free Workforce Development Consultation
Connect with CION and learn about the resources, training opportunities, and supports available in Northern Ontario’s film and television production industry.
Book a Workforce Consultation