Chatham-Kent Council has approved hiring someone to explore and research if the film and television industry can thrive and survive in Chatham-Kent.
The 15-3 vote was to hire the person for one year.
Councillor Michael Bondy had a problem with the $80,000 annual salary saying it was too rich.
A progress report will be presented to Council before second year funding is approved.
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Previous story below from November 3, 2023:
The municipality could soon be looking for someone to explore and research the potential of the film, television, and streaming industry in Chatham-Kent along with its economic and cultural impact on the local economy.
Council will consider the position Monday night at its meeting.
If approved, the new full-time contracted staff member will be employed for no less than one year and will review the potential development of the sector as a revenue-generating industry for the community.
In their report, administration wrote the economic spinoff generated by film, television, and streaming production can have a "significant impact" on local communities, noting that producers in the field have often cited figures around 30 per cent of the project budget, meaning that one-third of the production budget circulates back into the local community through various expenditures.
Staff said these expenditures include hiring local crew members and talent, buying goods and services from nearby businesses, renting equipment and facilities from local vendors, and spending on accommodations and meals for the cast and crew during the production.
Administration said numerous productions are currently exploring alternative filming areas beyond the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area because limited availability of suitable filming locations and necessary personnel are delaying schedules.
The disparity between the current demand for television, film, streaming productions, the availability of filming infrastructure, and resources within the region can present a "significant opportunity" for the municipality, according to administration.
"This proactive search for alternative locations reflects the growing demand for diverse filming environments and the desire to overcome logistical constraints associated with heavily saturated production hubs like Toronto and Hamilton," wrote Director of Economic Development Services Stuart McFadden and Manager of Special Initiatives Amy Wilcox in their report.
They said actively supporting film, television, streaming, and production in a community can yield numerous tangible benefits that contribute to both its economic and cultural enrichment, such as increased tourism, increased visibility, and infrastructure improvements.
Economic Development Services have been approached by local and regional filmmakers looking to work in Chatham-Kent and wanted to address the need, said McFadden.
A film office called FLiCK or Filming Locally in Chatham-Kent has already begun offering limited in-kind support to local film productions, but McFadden and Wilcox said more needs to be done to "fully harness the potential of our community as a production hub."
"This work will be crucial in not only bridging the current gap but also positioning Chatham-Kent as a viable and attractive destination for a broader spectrum of television and film projects," they said. "It is our aspiration to continue cultivating an environment that optimizes the benefits of film production within our community."
The position pays $80,000 a year and the successful candidate has a budget of $55,000.
