Written by new-contact on Jun 27, 2011. Posted in On Location

William F White Centre launches to meet increased location filming needs in Toronto

Location filming in Toronto has never been more popular and veteran Canadian equipment provider William F White (WFW) has responded by opening a new CAD20 million facility in the city. The new complex covers nearly 31,500 square metres – double the size it previously occupied.

Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Culture and Tourism, and James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, were among the delegates attending the facility’s opening. The city itself is currently hosting a big-budget remake of Total Recall, as well as Cosmopolis, the new feature from David Cronenberg.

Canada has every reason to celebrate. I look around and see a lush landscape of new film and TV production activity like never before. Big stories and little stories; there's so much going on here right now.

Norman Jewison

Canadian director Norman Jewison also attended the opening: “Canada has every reason to celebrate. I look around and see a lush landscape of new film and TV production activity like never before. Big stories and little stories; there's so much going on here right now. If talent is the engine that drives the film business, then Paul Bronfman's (WFW Chairman and CEO, and also Chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios) companies are some of its most talented engineers!”

Ontario offers a 25% all-spend tax credit, which is seen as a major reason for the region’s filming boom. Foreign productions rose by a massive 114% between 2008 and 2009 alone, according to figures from the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Offering a comprehensive equipment hire facility could have a big impact on local production.