Though both cities reside in Canada, Vancouver and Toronto have both had different paths in the film industry. Each of these cities have had differing peaks of success throughout their long film history but the last two decades have been the busiest for both cities.
Vancouver is the third largest centre for the film industry in North America and has been nick named “Hollywood North.” Vancouver has been host to huge blockbuster hits over the last few years including Juno (2007), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006),and Twilight: New Moon (2009). Some of the desirability that Vancouver has over attracting Hollywood films is due to the weather and scenery. Vancouver has the ability to mimic western locations like Seattle and other west coast cities. The weather also allows good conditions for year round shooting. Television production is large in Vancouver as well. It seems that the X-Files series opened the flood gates for future projects such as Battlestar Galactica and The Outer Limits.
Further to the east Toronto is also a boom town for both foreign and local films and TV. Toronto has the ability to host a variety of films due to a large city that can get away with imitating even the largest cities in the states like New York or Chicago. Some of the biggest movies have been shot in Toronto over the past decade including X-men, Total Recall, Kick-Ass, and The Incredible Hulk. Toronto is also home to Cinespace Film Studios’ which has a 60,000 square foot special effects stage for movies like Total Recall and Pacific Rim. These facilities are also good for local movies looking for high industry standards.
As production costs remain cheaper in Canada and facilities continue to develop, the North will continue to see growth in this industry and perhaps see not just films shot in Canada but developed here as well.
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