'Hot and frosty': Film industry booming in Ottawa

Film industry booming in Ottawa It was a busy year for Ottawa's film industry, with many holiday movies shot in the capital. CTV's Josh Marano reports.

The capital is not only a hot spot for tourism, but also a landmark when it comes to the film industry and holiday movies, says the City of Ottawa.

The nation's capital has been featured in 30 feature-length films including 11 holiday movies and 12 TV series, as of mid-December 2024, the City of Ottawa said in a news release, noting that these numbers are up from 2023.

Hot Frosty, 24 Karat Christmas, Falling Like Snowflakes, Wild West Christmas, My Sweet Austrian Holiday are among the holiday romances that were shot in the capital region in 2024, the city adds.

The “hot and frosty” film industry has boosted the local economy with a total of 650 filming days, bringing in big budgets for production, according to the city. Here’s how:

• $52 million spent on live action productions for crew, actors, hotels, equipment rentals, filming locations, vehicle rentals and catering.

• $15 million in labour and services on animated productions.

"When you see that growth, it just continues to put Ottawa's name on the world map. Not obviously, for people recognizing Ottawa in these movies, but if we were seen as a player in the industry and so it helps to attract more productions year after year," said Coun. Sean Devine.

"Obviously, that's a lot of people employed. And the good thing about the growth of the industry is that for a lot of people who work in the industry in Ottawa, whether they're in front of the camera as actors or whether they're behind the camera, when they see that kind of stability, it might mean that they might want to stay in Ottawa."

The capital’s city points out its role in fostering an environment that supports the film industry, such as funding the Ottawa Film Office, and working with it to employ local talent and secure locations and services.

Permits and arrangements for road closures, traffic detours, facility closures, security, paramedics and parking are issued by the City of Ottawa.

Two hundred permits for live action productions were issued in 2024.

More information about the capital’s movie industry is available online.

If you want to be featured in a movie as an extra, you can reach out to the Ottawa Film Office.

Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos with the Ottawa Film Office says they're predicting a record-breaking year of economic impact in 2025, with big projects on the way.

--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Joshua Marano