Welcome to the Nottawasaga Futures Film-Friendly Vendors Hub, your gateway to understanding and participating in the growing film and television industry in Simcoe County. Whether you own a hotel, restaurant, catering company, transportation business, event rental company, farm, retail store, creative agency, or unique property, film productions represent an exciting opportunity to generate additional revenue, attract new customers, and showcase your business to national and international audiences.

Simcoe County has become a sought-after filming destination, attracting productions ranging from television series and documentaries to feature films and streaming content. Productions require a vast network of local vendors and service providers to support cast and crew throughout the filming process. This hub has been created to help local businesses understand the opportunities available, learn what productions are looking for, and connect with the resources needed to become film-ready.

 

Why Consider the Film Industry?

The film and television industry represents a significant economic opportunity for businesses across Simcoe County and Ontario:

• Ontario's film and television industry generated more than $3.15 billion in economic activity in a single year.
• The industry supports approximately 45,000 jobs across the province, including production, trades, hospitality, transportation, and professional services.
• More than 100 film and television productions have filmed in South Simcoe communities over the past decade.
• Simcoe County is estimated to generate $20–25 million annually in film production activity.
• A single production can bring 30–300 crew members and 10–1,000 cast and background performers into a community.
• Film crews often remain in a region for several days, weeks, or months, creating demand for accommodations, restaurants, catering, transportation, equipment rentals, retail purchases, trades, and local services.
• Meals are typically provided to cast and crew every six hours, creating substantial opportunities for local food and catering businesses.

Every production requires a network of local suppliers and vendors. From hotels and caterers to transportation providers, contractors, event rental companies, retailers, farms, and unique properties, businesses throughout Simcoe County can benefit from the growing demand for filming locations and production support services.

Film and television productions function like temporary communities. Depending on the size of the project, productions may bring dozens or even hundreds of cast and crew members into the region for days, weeks, or months at a time. These productions require accommodations, catering, transportation, equipment, professional services, trades, event rentals, locations, and a wide range of support services.

For local businesses, serving the film industry can:

• Create new revenue streams during both peak and off-peak seasons.
• Increase sales through large-volume purchases and repeat bookings.
• Expand your customer base and professional network.
• Provide marketing exposure when productions feature local locations and communities.
• Support economic growth and job creation throughout Simcoe County.

 

Vendor Opportunities

Film productions rely on a diverse supply chain. Businesses that commonly work with productions include:

• Hotels, Inns and Accommodations – Housing cast, crew, and production staff.
• Restaurants and Caterers – Providing meals, craft services, and dietary accommodations.
• Transportation Providers – Vehicle rentals, shuttle services, trucking, and logistics support.
• Event and Equipment Rental Companies – Tents, tables, chairs, generators, lighting and specialty equipment.
• Property Owners – Homes, farms, businesses, industrial sites, vacant land, waterfront properties and unique locations.
• Retailers and Suppliers – Décor, props, hardware, construction materials and specialty products.
• Professional Services – Accounting, legal, marketing, security, cleaning, waste management and sustainability services.
• Trades and Contractors – Construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, landscaping and site preparation.

 

What Makes a Business Film-Friendly?

Being film-friendly means understanding the unique needs of productions and being prepared to respond quickly and professionally. Productions often work on tight schedules and require vendors who can adapt to changing circumstances.

Successful film-friendly vendors typically:

• Respond promptly to inquiries and requests.
• Offer flexible scheduling and service options.
• Understand that production timelines can change quickly.
• Maintain appropriate insurance and operating permits.
• Provide clear pricing and contract terms.
• Deliver reliable, professional customer service.
• Work collaboratively with production coordinators and location managers.

The most successful vendors view film productions as valued business partners and focus on creating positive experiences that encourage repeat visits and industry referrals.

 

Resources for Getting Started

The Film-Friendly Vendors Hub provides access to educational resources designed to help businesses understand how the industry operates and how to position themselves for success.

Explore our workshop recordings:

 Becoming A Film Friendly Vendor In Simcoe County Workshop

Knowledge and Insights for Businesses to Thrive as Vendors in Location Based Film Production Workshop

Learn How to Become a Top Vendor for Local Film Productions Workshop

 

List Your Business or Location

Productions are constantly searching for new vendors, unique locations, and reliable local partners. Businesses and property owners are encouraged to register their services and locations with the local film liaison office to increase visibility to location scouts and production companies. To register your property please contact us at ced@nottawasaga.com

Whether you have a distinctive property, specialized equipment, accommodations, catering services, transportation assets, or professional expertise, there may be opportunities to support productions filming in Simcoe County.

 

Building a Strong Local Film Ecosystem

A thriving film industry benefits the entire community. By developing a network of local vendors and service providers, Simcoe County can attract more productions, increase local spending, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s reputation as a premier filming destination.

The Film-Friendly Vendors Hub exists to help local businesses discover new opportunities, build industry knowledge, and position themselves for success in one of Ontario's fastest-growing creative industries.