Pickering’s role in today’s
Film & TV Production
In201,theCityofPickeringpartneredwithWilliamF.White InternationalInc.(WFW)tooperatethelargestmoviebacklotin Canada.Therespectedandrenownedproviderofproduction equipmentandstudioswillleaseCity-ownedlandsinGreen Riverforuptonineyears.
Aclassicdinerandgasstationaretwooffiveinteriorset Themarqueeproductionthatwasfilmingformostoflastyear wired for production. wasAmazon’sneworiginalseries,Reacher.Theshowisan unqualifiedhitwithbothcriticsandviewersandwasrenewed for another season just days after its release. Thispartnershiphasthepotentialtogenerate$3.5Minlease revenuesfortheCity,andthelandswilleventuallybeconverted to a district park following the lease completion. WFWisaCanadian-basedcompanywithnearly60yearsof expertiseinthefilmandtelevisionindustryandhasassetsin Vancouver,Calgary,Winnipeg,Halifax,Sudbury,andToronto, includingtheoperationofover1.4millionsquarefeetof production space, plus supporting warehouse facilities to house Theproduction interior set of the classic diner comes complete with itsstate-of-the-artrentalequipment.Itisarespected milkshake machines, cutlery, glassware and more. partner that works closely with its stakeholders to bolster Canada’sdomesticfilmandtelevisionindustry. The lease agreement stipulates that WFW will submit an annual sustainabilityreportaddressingenergyconservationmeasures, responsiblemanagementanddiversionofwastestreams,site cleanliness,andpotentialgreenfleetpractices.Further,WFW willworkwiththeCitytoinvestigateopportunitiestoengage withthelocalperformingartscommunityfortheprovisionof filmindustrytechnicaltraining,mentorshipprograms,orother industryrelatedinitiatives. We’reproudtoenterintosuchapartnershipandinviteyouto checkoutthebacklotinthefollowingphotos!
In addition to a gas station, diner, police station, and barber shop,theBacklotalsofeaturesaclassictownhallbuil unfinishedinteriorthatcanbefullycustomizedtomeeta all production needs.
Fun Facts •
The Backlot was originally intended as a temporary set, but with the support of the City of Pickering, it has since been transformed into a permanent year-round backlot for the film and television industry.
• Cast and crew can enter the town square’s 30 customizable storeThe23-acre,presentdaysmalltownissituatedona90-acreplot fronts which feature a second storey, where performers or lights can be positioned at windows. of land and has been purposefully built for features, TV series andcommercials.Inadditiontothe30storefrontsandshops • The Backlot has been weather protected using recycled items and currently on the property, the town is easily expandable and can materials from previous sets, as well as a protective siding. beconvertedtosuitproductionsofalltypes,fromrusticwestern • Watch CTV’s story on Pickering’s Filming Backlot here. settings to bustling New York City streets.
18 | Your City Magazine - Issue 3
