The Ottawa film industry saw a record-breaking year in 2022; 16 holiday films, 14 feature-length films, and more than 15 TV series were shot in the region, contributing over $57 million to the local economy via the live-action production sector.
The excitement continues this summer as three new productions are underway in the Ottawa region, with over 8 films having already wrapped since the beginning of the year. Wondering where you’ll see the action this summer? Read on for the details on the ongoing and upcoming projects:
A Christmas Homecoming
This Hallmark holiday film is currently in production in Carleton Place, with a number of cast and crew being spotted in town. While there have been no official updates on the film’s plot or who we can expect to see playing the lead roles, it’s speculated that the story follows a figure skater who returns home after missing out on her Olympic dreams, only to find herself falling for a local rink owner. Though unconfirmed, it’s worth noting that Canadian actor/producer Marcus Rosner was present in Ottawa during the filming dates, stating on his Instagram that he “…had to come to Ottawa for a few weeks to act in another project”. We hope to see the ‘Arrow’ star on our screens this Christmas.
Gnome for Christmas
Seasoned holiday film director Roger Bobb is guiding production for ‘Gnome for Christmas’, the unconfirmed story of a touring musician who returns home for the holidays and reconnects with a past love––who is now in charge of the church choir. Film crews have been spotted around downtown Ottawa, including the iconic Byward Market, with Smyth Casting releasing a callout for extras in the Ottawa area on May 15th. The cast has not yet been confirmed for the film.
I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead
This IndieGoGo funded film is currently in pre-production, and is a throwback horror feature in the style of 80’s and 90’s slasher films. This production will be Sean Parker’s directorial debut, and will feature budding actors in the lead roles. The story follows Emily, a survivor of a horrific school massacre, who finds herself once again facing off against a serial murderer at a high school party gone wrong. The location is said to be in a singular location––a decommissioned war bunker in the Ottawa area.
