When it comes to filmmaking, Toronto has to be the best place for the craft, considering that many noteworthy titles in the history of cinema are set in the city. From “Goin’ Down the Road” to “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, Toronto has become one of Canada’s most important hubs for amateurs and Hollywood veterans alike. There’s no question that it could also be the perfect place for aspiring directors and producers to set their career-defining masterpieces.
However, creating a work of art that deserves a place on the big screen is complex and creatively demanding. Not only will you need funding, but you also have to make the most of what Toronto has to offer to the story you desire to tell. Preparation is crucial no matter the level of experience you have in Canadian cinema, so here are a few tips to help you get started in filming your first major work in Toronto.
1. Review and Tweak the Script
Most films use the setting as a character in itself, so you must write your script in a way that gives life to Toronto as a venue for drama and conflict among your characters. Whether you’re planning a thriller or a romantic comedy, you may want to use existing locations around the city as venues for major plot points in the story.
This allows you to connect directly with your Canadian audience and even highlight the city’s iconic attractions. However, take care not to turn your scenes into promotional tourism ads. You can do this by framing specific sequences inside public transportation or having your characters meet in lesser-known establishments or landmarks.
2. Learn About Permits
Unless you’re running an independent production with a minimal camera crew, you will need to secure permits based on the locations of every sequence. For instance, if you’re planning to film within a school, you must coordinate with the Toronto District School Board.
On the other hand, you will need to contact the Toronto Port Authority to obtain permission to film at harbors, ports, and other waterways. To be sure, you may have to talk to the City of Toronto Film Office for more information on where you can and cannot shoot your film. In any case, it’s safer to assume you need a permit regardless of where you’re filming within the city so you can avoid getting into legal trouble and getting blacklisted.
3. Gather the Right Talents
For a film to achieve the goal of coming off as realistic, directors will need to cast locals who can move naturally as natives of the place where the film is set. For instance, if you’re planning to film a gritty urban drama with lots of sex scenes and set in NYC, you may want to reach out to New York escorts or people who know the local escort industry and suggest people who can serve as extras.
Toronto isn’t lacking in terms of talent, so search the city for people who not only know how to act, but also adopt the city’s personality and culture. Issue casting calls to acting and film schools and choose people who can represent the city without coming off as stereotypical.
4. Be Mindful of the Traffic
Toronto is a city among many others known for its congested streets and highways. It’s a challenge for any film crew to get around this problem. Logistical issues are expected, and heavy traffic during peak hours can affect not only your timeline but the overall quality of your narrative style, especially if you’re filming scenes involving car chases in near-empty streets.
For this reason, it’s important to be acquainted with the city’s traffic culture, starting with avoiding peak hours. If you have scenes where characters drive around uninterrupted, avoid filming on weekends when gridlock is worse than it is from Mondays to Fridays. Come up with a plan and an alternative strategy to avoid wasting time.
Endnote
If you have a great story that’s set in Toronto, be prepared by following this guide. That way, you can make the most of the time and resources you have to craft a film that does justice to the city and makes the locals proud.