Prince Edward County is joining the film effort. 

It is identifying resources, building a skilled workforce, attracting production, and creating databases of regional talent — and of scenic and heritage locations. 

It’s all part of the work of the new Bay of Quinte Film Office.

 “When productions come here we want to be able to say, ‘we have camera operators, we have assistants,’” said Dug Stevenson, Executive Director of the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, noting,“Loyalist College was the catalyst for the Film Office.” 

Loyalist’s Television, Filmmaking, and Digital Content department is collaborating with the new Film Office to create networking opportunities for its students, as well as training workshops co-hosted by the Kingston Film Office.

Before Toronto and Vancouver became film hubs, it was Trenton that was known as “Hollywood North.”
 It was home to Canada’s first movie studio. 
The Trenton Film Plant produced over 1500 silent films between 1917 and 1934. 

Each participating jurisdiction, including PEC and Loyalist College, contributed $5,000 to the new Film Office. That created a $35,000 budget in 2024, which helped to support the Belleville DocFest and the new County Adaptation Film Festival hosted by The Regent Theatre in September. 

Mr. Stevenson noted that once each community has its policy in place, the Bay of Quinte Film Office will start marketing and outreach campaigns to attract production. 

“We’re on track to get the word out this spring or summer,” he said.

Economic Development Officer Karen Palmer helped to draft the new policy with the  Bay of Quinte Film Office working group, which brings together community staff, Loyalist College faculty, and industry professionals.

The policy states productions must pay municipal or museum staff wages if their labour is required to alter infrastructure. Film permit applications will incur a $100 fee.

A representative from the Built and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee will review permit requests that involve alterations to municipal buildings with heritage value.

But Ms. Palmer stressed that economic benefit is not generated by fees, but by having film crews use local businesses for catering, accommodations, and shooting locations. 

When Belleville hosted a single episode of  Murdoch Mysteries  last year, it recouped $25,000 in fees and $80,600 in local spending. 

Ontario’s Film and Television industry contributed $1.8 billion to the economy in 2023. While the Greater Toronto and Hamilton a film industry is overloaded, Southeastern Ontario could attract domestic productions with smaller budgets. 

These efforts could revitalize a piece of the region’s history. Before Toronto and Vancouver pulled ahead as film industry hubs, it was Trenton that was known as “Hollywood North.” It was home to Canada’s first movie studio. The Trenton Film Plant produced over 1500 silent films between 1917 and 1934. 

The introduction of sound technology changed the movie game, leaving many stars, directors and studios behind. Such was the fate of Trenton. While it lasted, it created an economic boom, employing residents as extras and crew members, and bolstering the hospitality industry. 

This history echoes today. While the County’s burgeoning hospitality sector poses issues of seasonal boom and bust, film production offers the opportunity for year-round revenue.

“Shooting at a winery or a store helps them stay open,” Ms. Palmer noted. “Many businesses have expressed interest in getting in the location database.”

Sign us up!