CREDIT: LAUREN DIETRICH
A number of locations in London will be added to the location library operated by the Ontario Film Commission to draw filmmakers to the city.

The City of London is moving towards becoming a popular destination for movie and TV producers from around the world.

At a May 16 event at Toboggan Brewing Co., it was announced that London would be updated on the location library that is operated by the Ontario Film Commission.

Although there are already a few London locations in the library, there have been no updates in several years.

In the next couple of months, photographers will be taking pictures of new London locations to add to the library, as well as take updated photos of locations that are already on the website.

The library is a database for potential locations for producers to use as backdrops for their films and television shows. There are currently over 400,000 images taken throughout Ontario with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Hamilton and Sudbury.

The database includes advanced search option where producers can find locations based on region, architecture type, category and other criteria.

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has played an integral role in getting London updated on the location library.

Ashley Conyngham, director of marketing and communications at LEDC has some words to share about London’s spot on the location library.

“While London does have some listings on the Ontario Film Commission Library, we felt we were missing an opportunity to really showcase the many diverse spaces London has to offer the Ontario film industry,” Conyngham said.

According to Conyngham, arts and culture play an important role in economic growth throughout London. Being showcased on the website will encourage more filmmakers to come to London and a strategic group has been developed to explore and improve the screen industry in the city.

“London has a lot to offer, access to great talent, lower cost of doing business, and many unique locations. London has the opportunity to have a larger presence on this provincial and well used database,” Conyngham said.

Some of the London locations that are already on the database include Blackfriars Street Bridge, Budweiser Gardens, and the Western Fair District. However, many of these locations have not been updated in over five years.

Founder and creative director of a London based video production company, Web.isod.es, Adam Caplan, also has words to share about Ontario, the database concept and the film industry.

“Ontario can substitute for virtually anywhere else in the world. Ontario really does produce amazing talent for making big movies and the broader landscape of Ontario has locations that put us over the top,” Caplan said.

Although the location database is used by producers from around the world, it is also an opportunity for local filmmakers to tell their stories.

“What is really good for London is to recognize that London can be a place where we don’t need Hollywood to come to London. We have stories to tell and what I have been really excited about through this process is seeing so many people who are excited by the opportunities to make films in London,” Caplan said. LEDC will be reaching out to local companies to be showcased in the location library.

If you have film location suggestions email info@ledc.com. To view the Ontario Film Commission location library visit digitallibrary.omdc.on.ca.