FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know About Filming in Canada

(But Were Too Afraid to Ask)

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Film Fixer in Canada (4)

Canada boasts numerous equipment rental companies that specifically cater to film and TV productions. At Films.Solutions, we have developed strong relationships with many of these rental companies throughout Canada. This grants us access to a vast selection of high-quality equipment and, most importantly, ensures that we can swiftly obtain replacement parts if needed. We guarantee that your production will never stall and will operate smoothly from start to finish.

Yes, you should have liability insurance to cover any damage or injury that may occur during filming. At Films.Solutions, we can provide full coverage for your production in Canada

Look no further for your film production crew in Canada - Films.Solutions is here to help. We are your go-to source for all your filming needs, including crew, talent, equipment, locations, and more. Trust us to provide the solutions you need to make your production a success.

A film fixer, also known as a location fixer, is a person who assists film and television production crews in navigating the logistical and practical challenges of filming in a particular location or region. A fixer is typically a local expert who possesses knowledge of the area, including the culture, customs, and laws, as well as connections to various stakeholders such as local officials, businesses, and communities. Their duties may include securing filming permits, coordinating transportation, sourcing local crew and equipment, providing translation services, arranging accommodations and catering, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The role of a fixer is crucial in helping productions to run smoothly and efficiently, and to achieve the desired creative vision while respecting the needs and interests of the local community.

Film Production Services in Canada (3)

Canada boasts numerous equipment rental companies that specifically cater to film and TV productions. At Films.Solutions, we have developed strong relationships with many of these rental companies throughout Canada. This grants us access to a vast selection of high-quality equipment and, most importantly, ensures that we can swiftly obtain replacement parts if needed. We guarantee that your production will never stall and will operate smoothly from start to finish.

Yes, you should have liability insurance to cover any damage or injury that may occur during filming. At Films.Solutions, we can provide full coverage for your production in Canada

Look no further for your film production crew in Canada - Films.Solutions is here to help. We are your go-to source for all your filming needs, including crew, talent, equipment, locations, and more. Trust us to provide the solutions you need to make your production a success.

Filming in Quebec (6)

Category: Filming in Quebec

Yes, there are many local film crews available for hire in Québec. The province has a thriving film industry with a large pool of talented and experienced crew members, including cinematographers, sound technicians, editors, and more. At Films.Solutions, we have an extensive network of professionals who can provide technical and logistical support for film, documentary, and television productions. Our team can help connect filmmakers with local crew members who have the expertise needed to bring their vision to life. We also offer equipment rental services to provide everything needed for a successful shoot. Whether you need a full production team or just a few crew members, we can help you find the right people for the job.

Category: Filming in Quebec

Yes, there are resources available to help filmmakers connect with local businesses for filming location rentals or product placements in Quebec. At Films.Solutions, we have an extensive network of contacts and relationships with local businesses and organizations that can assist in finding the perfect filming location or product placement opportunity for your project. Additionally, there are several film commissions and associations in Quebec that offer location scouting services and assistance with securing permits for filming in public areas. Some examples include the Quebec Film and Television Council, Montreal Film and TV Commission, and the Quebec City Film and TV Commission.

Category: Filming in Quebec

Yes, there may be restrictions for filming in certain locations in Québec, depending on the location and the type of filming you plan to do. For example, filming in national parks or heritage sites may require special permits and restrictions. Additionally, some municipalities may have their own rules and regulations regarding filming on public property. It's important to research and obtain any necessary permits and permissions before filming in any specific location in Québec. At Films.Solutions, we have experience working with local authorities to obtain permits and ensure a smooth filming process.

Category: Filming in Quebec

Yes, you can definitely hire actors and extras in Québec. Québec has a thriving film and television industry with many talented actors and extras available for hire. In fact, many actors and extras in Québec are bilingual, which is a significant advantage for productions that require both French and English speakers.

Category: Filming in Quebec

In terms of transportation infrastructure, Quebec has a well-developed network of highways and roads, making it easy to transport film crews and equipment between locations. In addition, there are numerous car rental companies and truck rental companies available to provide vehicles of all sizes to meet the needs of film productions. As a Film Fixer, we have established relationships with these companies and can help coordinate the transportation of crew and equipment. We can also arrange for specialized transportation such as production trailers, grip trucks, and camera trucks. Whatever your transportation needs may be, we can help ensure a smooth and efficient process for your production.

Category: Filming in Quebec

Québec has a varied climate, with four distinct seasons. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can range from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F) in southern regions such as Montréal and Québec City. However, temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F) at night. In the fall (September to November), temperatures can range from 5 to 20°C (41 to 68°F) with colorful foliage providing great backdrops for filming.

Winter (December to March) is usually cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -15 to -5°C (5 to 23°F) in southern regions. However, temperatures can drop as low as -40°C (-40°F) in the Baie-James region and Nunavik in the north. It's important to plan for cold weather conditions and have proper equipment and clothing. Spring (April to May) is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F).

Despite the varied climate, Québec offers many opportunities for filming outdoor scenes. However, it's important to take into account the weather conditions and plan accordingly. Whether it's the warm summer months or the snowy winter landscape, our team at Films.Solutions, as a film fixer, can help with transportation, equipment, crew, and location scouting to ensure a successful shoot.

Filming with a drone in Canada (8)

As a Canadian drone pilot, you are required to follow these rules. These are a summary of the most commonly asked questions. 

  1. Age: Drone pilots must be at least 14 years old (basic operations) or 16 years old (advanced operations).
  2. Altitude: Fly below 122 metres (400 feet)
  3. Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS), which means that you must see your drone at all times.
  4. Restricted Areas: Maintain a minimum distance from airports (5.6 kilometres /3 nautical miles) and heliports (1.9 kilometres / 1 nautical mile). This means that many towns are off-limits because of heliports at the local hospital. 
  5. Avoid emergency operations (forest fires) and advertised events (sports, parades, concerts).
  6. Avoid bystanders with minimum horizontal distance. Basic options require 30 metres distance, advanced operation certificates allow less distance.

Yes, commercial drone use is allowed. The drone must be registered and the operator might require certification.

Yes, recreational drone use is allowed. The drone must be registered and the operator might require certification.

Yes. Foreign operators can fly drones in Canada. They require an approved SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate) for any purpose (recreation, commercial, research). This is in addition to the drone certification and registration requirements for all operators.

These are common expressions and acronyms you’ll find in the Canadian drone industry. 

  • AGL: Above ground level
  • Microdrone: Refers to drones that weigh less than 250 grams.
  • PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). This Canadian legislation controls data collection, storage, and distribution. 
  • RPAS: Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
  • SFOC: Special Flight Operations Certificate. This certificate is issued by Transport Canada and is used to manage use cases outside of the standard drone applications. 

Other words for drones: UAS, RPAS, UAV, MAV, sUAS, quadcopter. The uses of these terms vary depending on the country and application of the unit.

In Canada, you can’t fly in National Parks, near airports, or near hospitals with helipads. There are numerous registered Aerodromes with restrictions and warnings.

The maximum altitude in Canada is 122 meters (400 feet) above ground level (AGL). If you need to fly above this altitude, you’ll need to apply for an SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate).

This drone site selection tool by the National Research Council Canada will help you know where you can legally fly. Nav Canada also produces NAV Drone, an app on Android and iOS that displays the same map, with additional details.