LMGI COMPASS
|
Fall 2017
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25
to know we were able to actually change a law to make sure
the production got what it needed—and it looked fantastic
on screen.
Stevie: DOES TORONTO OFFER ANY INCENTIVES TO HOLLYWOOD
FILMMAKERS?
JR: We sure do! Aside from experienced crews, access to
all the latest equipment and co-production treaties with
more than 50 countries between the provincial and federal
levels of government, Ontario offers permanent, stackable,
refundable tax credits that can be combined offering savings
of up to 45 percent on qualified labour costs and up to 35.2
percent on total production costs.
Through its Film, Television & Digital Media Office, Toronto
offers one-stop concierge service throughout the production
with locked-in costs on street parking fees, no fees on city-
owned properties (aside from staffing cost recovery) and no
permit fees for location filming.
Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE?
JR: First and foremost, my trusty smartphone (currently,
the BlackBerry KEYone), which has become the most
indispensable tool, in conjunction with Google Pictures,
Evernote and Dropbox. If those fail, then I always have a
notebook in my pocket. Otherwise, I carry a Leica D-Lux 6
with a backup Lumix DMC LX5 for scouting and of course,
my well-worn laptop and tablet. Not to mention lots of
external chargers.
I also have been adding a few more gadgets over the years
like a hood-mounted GoPro for driving shots and recently,
have started to play with a DJI Spark drone for high angle
shots.
Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB?
JR: I love that at the core I'm being paid to play make-
believe but with better toys on a grander scale. Every day
has its own creative and logistical challenges which makes
for never a dull day. I love being a part of something that
is designed to entertain people. At the end of the day, I am
happy knowing that all the hard work we put into the finished
product is worth the aggravation and sleep deprivation if
we transported just one person from the doldrums of their
everyday lives and entertained them for a little while. There
is a sense of magic there.
