Recognizing the huge potential that the film, television and the rapidly growing global digital media industry represents, the City of Ottawa is making considerable investment to increase the number of productions in Ottawa and growing local resources.

The Ottawa region facilitates an average of 500 film shooting days that translates into more than $50 million of production of which $20 million is spent directly in the local economy. With a local landscape that includes river valley, mountains, fields and wetlands and a continental climate that ranges from hot and humid in the summer to cold and snowy in the winter, Ottawa offers a wide variety of shooting locations as well as an experienced and bilingual workforce.

Invest Ottawa will focus on the continued development, retention, competitiveness and enhancement of the city’s film, television and digital media industry. In addition, we will facilitate and issue various filming permits, promote the region as a preferred industry destination and support the development and growth of the local industry and location scouting.

Working with industry contacts and various levels of government, Invest Ottawa will work to establish Ottawa as a film friendly destination.

Digital Media

Ottawa’s growing digital media sector currently exceeds 250 companies and has expertise in areas that include video and console gaming; animation and visual FX; mobile communications; e-learning and education; film production; visualization and simulation; and television and broadcasting.

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Filming in Ottawa FAQ

We have answers to all your filming and permit questions right here.

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Locations and Facilities

Ottawa has spectacular and unique filming locations capable of accommodating most creative needs. From small and rustic towns, country homes and rural landscapes to European and modern architecture, we have it all.

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Permits

Through our agreements with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, we are charged with facilitating all filming permits, parking requests, full and intermittent road closure requests and special equipment requests.

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Industry Events

There are several film, television and digital media industry events held in each year and on special occasions in Ottawa and the region which we are proud to promote and occasionally collaborate with.

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Tax Credits and Incentives

Ontario has some of the most competitive tax credit programs in Canada, positioning Ottawa and the province to better attract foreign productions while marketing the region as “film-friendly”.

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