Huge Crowd Rallies to Keep Ontario Cameras Rolling
Written By: Esther Garnick


Despite icy rain, wind and mud, over 1,000 people rallied at Queens Park on December 1, 2004 in support of The Keep Ontario Cameras Rolling Coalition. The group organized this protest to address the Ontario government’s failure to keep the province competitive in film and television production.

Actor Wayne Robson was among the many famous Canadians that braved the weather to speak publicly about this industry crisis.

“ I was talking to an American producer who said his favorite place to shoot was in Ontario. The crews, the services, everything about the production industry is exactly what he needs. However, all of the talent that we have here and all of the facilities amount to a hill of beans when it comes to saving a dollar.” He told Hollywood North Magazine.

He explains, “ every cent that the Canadian dollar goes up adds about $33,000 to his budget. We need the tax credits. We were promised them and we need them! It doesn’t cost the government a cent and it will bring in millions, if not billions of dollars. It’s a no brainer!”

The turnout of this rally was not only fueled by broken promises on the part of provincial government, but also the percentage of tax credits offered in other provinces which are as much as 45 % versus Ontario’s mediocre 11%.

Actor and Comedienne, Luba Goy, was the event’s MC and although she is notorious for her sense of humour, Goy is not laughing about the state of the Film and Television industry. “Its just not funny anymore.” She says, “ These people are not working. They are way below the poverty line… everybody’s hurting.”

As bleak as the future of film production in Ontario may seem, the rallying crowd certainly appeared elevated after hearing speeches given by Robson, Academy Award winning producer Don Carmody, and Canada’s first lady of drama and long time activist, Shirley Douglas.

Both Robson and Goy acknowledge the power of the people, and are optimistic about the desired response from Mr. Mcguinty.

“This is our lives! exclaims Robson, “The huge crowd that turned out today despite the inclement weather is an indication of how important it is. Hopefully McGuinty will hear our message and they’ll act quickly and change this around.” Goy adds, “we’re saying ‘keep your promises.’ Mr. McGuinty isn’t an evil man, we just want to keep his little feet to the fire.”

For the sake of over 25,000 people who depend on the industry for their survival, let us hope they are not ones who will end up competely burned.














© Copyright 2004 Hollywood North Magazine Inc.