SAG-AFTRA strike impacts the local film industry

The actors’ and writers’ strike in the United States is impacting the local film industry in more ways than one. Not only have some major productions shut down all across the GTHA but some local independent studios are also feeling the effects.

Film.ca is a movie theatre and it provides a rental space in the attached building to production companies. Knoll Studios, named after owner Jeff Knoll has multiple sets including a fake hospital room, a makeshift restaurant and a convenience store.

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“We’ve had Adam Sandler here, we’ve had Debra Messing here, Keifer Sutherland, a great list of Canadian and American actors have come through this property.”

During the pandemic when theatres shut down, Film.ca was rented as a movie theatre to production companies shooting movie scenes.

“The studio is really a side business for us, our main business is the movie theatre, Film.ca is a busy independent theatre, we were closed for a big chunk of the pandemic and now we are faced with what could potentially difficult fall and Christmas 2024.”

One movie theatre that has had to react to the times is Westdale in Hamilton. They shifted their business during the pandemic, offering older movies.

As for Film.ca, the movie theatre will remain open and their studio side will focus on Canadian productions, not part of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

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