Ever imagined yourself on the big screen? Ottawa’s film, television, and animation industry is a vibrant sector contributing over $100 million to the local economy each year. With the rapid growth of the industry and the addition of a soundstage in the next couple of years, there are opportunities for locals who want to be involved!
Ottawa Public Library invites you to four fun and informative evening sessions – online – that will introduce you to Ottawa’s live-action and animation production sector, offered in partnership with the Ottawa Film Office. Learn what it takes to break into the film and television industries, what they look for in animators, and how residents (English speaking and Francophone) can get involved in these growing industries. Anyone interested in film, animation and television will be fascinated by the insider information and the chance to meet local producers, casting directors, and studios through this virtual series.
Wednesday November 18 at 7 pm - Ottawa's Film Industry: Past, Present and Future
Did you know that Ottawa is home to one of the first films to be projected in Canada? Ottawa is an attractive filming destination for all types of productions, Hollywood productions and made-for-TV holiday films. Hear Ottawa Film Commissioner Bruce Harvey as he gives an introduction to the Ottawa film industry – it’s history, what type of productions are being filmed here today, where the current industry is heading. Bruce will also talk opportunities for growth with the Soundstage Campus and Creative Hub and exciting new technologies.
Wednesday November 25 at 7 pm - So, You Want to be in the Movies?
Hundreds of locals work in Ottawa’s film and television industry on a range of productions, from Canadian TV series to multimillion-dollar feature films – and of course, the beloved Hallmark Christmas movies. The types of jobs are varied and can appeal to those with or without knowledge of the industry, such as production assistants, accountants, carpenters and composers to directors, actors, and office staff. As the film industry continues to grow in Ottawa, so too does the demand for cast and crew.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with representatives from the local film industry –production coordinators, casting directors, and locations managers – moderated by Ottawa Film Commissioner Bruce Harvey, that will explore what it takes to break into the film industry, how productions are coping with COVID-19 restrictions, and how businesses and residents can become involved in the action.
Wednesday December 2 at 7 pm - Let’s Get Animated!
Did you know that Disney’s Mickey Mouse series is created in Ottawa, or that the city annually hosts one of the largest animation festivals in the world? Ottawa’s reputation as a world-class animation centre is perhaps one of the city’s best kept secrets! Join Ottawa Film Commissioner Bruce Harvey as he moderates a panel discussion with Ottawa’s leading animation studios. Together, they will discuss the types of projects animated in Ottawa, what they look for in animators, and how they’re coping with the increasing demand for new, original content for platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
Wednesday December 9 at 7 pm - Alors, vous voulez passer à la télé? (en français)
In addition to full-length films shot in Ottawa, this city is home to a very active Francophone television production community. Local companies such as Slalom, Balestra and Carte Blanche Films produce hours and hours of television content each year, working on stories that bring Francophone communities together and produce original creative content. This round table of producers and talent agents will discuss the challenges and opportunities of producing content in French in Ottawa, and how Francophone residents can get involved in this exciting and growing field.