September 3, 2009

Creating Jobs In Ontario's Film Industry
McGuinty Government Helps Build Toronto International Film Festival's New Home

 

 

NEWS

Ontario is investing in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Bell Lightbox - a destination for film lovers that is creating jobs and will generate millions in economic activity for the province.

TIFF Bell Lightbox has already had a measurable impact on Ontario’s economy by creating about 1,300 full-time jobs during construction. The province is investing $10 million to support the completion of the five-storey centre, which will offer year-round programming for Ontario residents and tourists to learn, celebrate and experience film. 

The Toronto International Film Festival expects the Bell Lightbox to generate about $200 million in economic activity within five years of opening. This is in addition to the estimated $67 million the Toronto International Film Festival brings to the province each year.

Today’s announcement reinforces the important role Ontario’s film industry plays as a major economic driver in the province.

QUOTES

“The Toronto International Film Festival is a great symbol for the success of Ontario’s cultural industries. Supporting the completion of TIFF Bell Lightbox not only gives the festival a permanent home; it will also help generate economic growth in this sector for years to come.”
— Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture

“The Toronto International Film Festival is a cultural and economic jewel for Toronto and Ontario. By investing a further $10 million we are helping to make sure the Toronto International Film Festival continues to thrive.”
— George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

“We are very pleased to receive this investment from the Province of Ontario that clearly demonstrates strong support and recognition of the tremendous cultural impact TIFF will generate with a permanent home.  Bell Lightbox will allow TIFF to cement its reputation as a global leader in the discovery and understanding of film and today's announcement moves us closer to our campaign goal."
— Piers Handling, Co-Director and CEO of TIFF

QUICK FACTS

• TIFF Bell Lightbox is scheduled to open in 2010.
• The Toronto International Film Festival currently employs more than 100 full-time staff and 500 part-time staff and generates an annual economic impact of $67 million.
• The festival attracts 450,000 total admissions each year, including attendance from over 1,000 journalists and 4,500 film industry professionals.
• Forty-four percent of visitors to the Festival arrive from outside Ontario.

 

LEARN MORE

About TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Explore the schedule for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

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Contacts:
Sarah Petrevan, Minister’s Office, 416 325-1676
Mark Thompson, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391