PICKERING’S ROLE IN TODAY’S FILM AND TV PRODUCTION

Pickering’s role in today’s

Film & TV Production

In 2021, the City of Pickering partnered with William F. White International Inc. (WFW) to operate the largest movie backlot in Canada. The respected and renowned provider of production equipment and studios will lease City-owned lands in Green River for up to nine years.

The marquee production that was filming for most of last year was Amazon’s new original series, Reacher. The show is an unqualified hit with both critics and viewers and was renewed for another season just days after its release.

This partnership has the potential to generate $3.5M in lease revenues for the City, and the lands will eventually be converted to a district park following the lease completion.

WFW is a Canadian-based company with nearly 60 years of expertise in the film and television industry and has assets in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Sudbury, and Toronto, including the operation of over 1.4 million square feet of production space, plus supporting warehouse facilities to house its state-of-the-art rental equipment. It is a respected production partner that works closely with its stakeholders to bolster Canada’s domestic film and television industry.

The lease agreement stipulates that WFW will submit an annual sustainability report addressing energy conservation measures, responsible management and diversion of waste streams, site cleanliness, and potential green fleet practices. Further, WFW will work with the City to investigate opportunities to engage with the local performing arts community for the provision of film industry technical training, mentorship programs, or other industry related initiatives.

We’re proud to enter into such a partnership and invite you to check out the backlot in the following photos!

The 23-acre, present day small town is situated on a 90-acre plot of land and has been purposefully built for features, TV series and commercials. In addition to the 30 storefronts and shops currently on the property, the town is easily expandable and can be converted to suit productions of all types, from rustic western settings to bustling New York City streets. A classic diner and gas station are two of five interior sets fully wired for production.

The interior set of the classic diner comes complete with milkshake machines, cutlery, glassware and more.

In addition to a gas station, diner, police station, and barber shop, the Backlot also features a classic town hall building with unfinished interior that can be fully customized to meet any and 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 storefronts which feature a second storey, where performers or lights can be positioned at windows. • The Backlot has been weather protected using recycled items and materials from previous sets, as well as a protective siding. • Watch CTV’s story on Pickering’s Filming Backlot here.