The city says the film and tv industry gets back to work next week for the first time since productions were shut down due to COVID-19.

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald was asked about the safety factor in a changing world.

“There’s risk right now because somebody could have the virus. But with all the protocols we have in place our risk level would be low. As long as everyone is following the protocols we’re very confident that the film and tv industries can carry out the productions,” McDonald says.

He says businesses and residents have done a great job in keeping the risk low and there hasn’t been a case within the health unit’s coverage area in 45 days.

He was asked about the impact on keeping North Bay safe with more out of town visitors.

“The reason is that we’re able to keep our numbers so low is because our businesses and residents understand how important it is for the protocols. I don’t see our risk getting higher because a few in the film industry come up,” he says.

Meantime, McDonald released the results of the impact film and tv production is having locally.

He says in 2019, there were 15 productions resulting in just over $46 million in local spending on everything from wages, local products and services to construction, rentals, locations and accommodations.

He adds there were 377 filming days, involving 264 different locations, resulting in an estimated 16,000-plus branded hotel overnight stays in the city.

In 2018, the city says there were 177 filming days at 140 locations and the direct spending was $13 million.

(photo submitted by the city)

Filed under: film and tv production, Mayor Al McDonald