Public provides input into Tillsonburg being film-friendly

About a dozen people attended a consultation about furthering Tillsonburg as a location for film production. Participants were asked to leave input through sticky notes with their ideas. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Will Tillsonburg locales become the set for television shows or movies?

That was exactly the question asked during a consultation on Tillsonburg becoming a film-friendly community.

And, spoiler alert, two locales are already on the radar of a well-known television series. To find out which ones, read on.

The consultation drew about a dozen people, which was more than most similar public input sessions have attracted.

Some of the concerns raised were where film crews and actors will be housed, security, whether there will be control of the number of projects, if there will be fees, and how potential gunshots and explosions that are part of the script would be dealt with.

Local businesswoman Sarah Senior has more than 25 years of experience in the film industry as a producer and was among those who attended. Her credits include full-length feature films, short films, commercials, and series, as well as teaching at a film school in the United Kingdom.

“It’s a great opportunity for the town, but any kind of production is niche, and understanding the niche is important,” she said.

Senior explained location is important, but support for the film crew, which can be 20 to 100 people, is equally important. As an example, she said demands for a film crew on a larger production could include parking for 30 cars, parking for a Winnebago for a dressing room, lodging, and a way to feed the crew. A smaller production would have fewer demands.

“If you get on the radar of good productions, they remember you,” Senior said. “The other side is if you get on the radar of bad production sites, people talk.”

Local resident Les Lonsbary was among those who attended.

“It’s very interesting and has huge potential for the town,” he said.

Some of the potential filming sites being suggested are Annandale National Historic Site, Lake Lisgar, Tillsonburg Community Centre, the airport, Lake Lisgar Waterpark, Rotary Clock Tower, Participark, J.L. Scott McLean Outdoor Rink, and the pioneer cemetery.

Tillsonburg Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow said overall reception of the idea was good.

“Generally, it’s a positive response,” he said. “There were a couple concerns and a couple suggestions.”

A second online consultation on the film strategy will be held today (March 5 from 4 to 5 p.m.). For more information, go to https://www.tillsonburg.ca/news/film-friendly-community/

As for Tillsonburg as a film location in the near future, scouting already took place at Annandale House and Seven Gables as locales for Murdoch Mysteries, but nothing has moved forward.