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Plan a Toronto shoot with practical information on film permits, locations, equipment rentals, studios, crew and production support. Use the quick links below to find the part of the guide you need.
This guide covers the City of Toronto. Suppliers elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area are identified separately because another municipality can mean a different permit process. For student and independent shoots, start with smaller rental houses, hourly and half-day studios and small-crew meals.
Find what you need
- Permits & permissions
- Equipment rentals
- Studios & stages
- Crew & casting
- Catering & meals
- Props & support
- Weather & daylight
- Shoot checklist
Browse all sections of this guide
- Toronto Film Permits and Permissions
- TTC, Drones, Night Work and Special Effects
- Finding and Scouting Toronto Locations
- Camera, Lighting, Grip and Sound Rentals
- Toronto Studios and Sound Stages
- Hiring Toronto Crew and Performers
- Catering and Crew Meals
- Props and Wardrobe Rentals
- Location Supplies and Production Transport
- Independent Post-Production and Film Labs
- Budgeting, Tax Credits and Funding
- Parking, Power, Sound and Company Moves
- Toronto Weather and Daylight Planning
- Information for Visiting and International Crews
- Small Crews, Student Films and Affordable Resources
- Finding Film Work and Training in Toronto
- Before You Shoot: Toronto Production Checklist
- Toronto Filming Questions
- Sources, Verification and Corrections
Start with these Toronto production contacts
- Apply for a Toronto film permit through the City’s FilmPal process.
- Toronto Film Office: 416-338-3456 · filmtoronto@toronto.ca.
- Ontario Locations Library: research locations and request scouting assistance. Ontario Creates: 416-314-6858 · locations@ontariocreates.ca.
- Ontario Production Guide: find suppliers, production services and municipal film offices.
- Current Toronto productions: check the City’s published production list.
Information checked: October 29, 2026. Contacts were checked against published business and official sources. Confirm availability, quotations and requirements for your particular shoot before booking. All dollar amounts below are Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise.
Toronto Film Permits and Permissions
Use the City’s permit types and fee schedule to identify the right application. Describe the actual activity and footprint before deciding which permission to request.
Grid permits allow limited roving exteriors: one hour per location, no City parks or municipal squares, and no production parking. Discuss more involved activity with the Film Office.
Private property: the City’s exception covers activity wholly on private property, vehicles included, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Owner permission remains necessary; after-hours work and effects have separate requirements.
| Municipal charge | Features & series | Other listed shoots |
|---|---|---|
| Production registration | $100 | $100 |
| Grid permit | $100 | $100 |
| Location permit | $300 | $150 |
| Parks permit | $200 | $200 |
| Scouting permit | Free | Free |
| Road closure surcharge | $500 | $500 |
| Rush-hour surcharge | $500 | $500 |
Processing and notice: the filming guidelines require at least two full business days, excluding submission day, or three for City parks. Complex requests take longer. Affected neighbours generally need 48 hours’ written notice. Include prep, parking, coning, wrap and weather options in the original plan.
Insurance: prepare the required certificate of insurance, normally showing at least $2 million liability coverage and the City as additional insured. Review the certificate wording with your broker; a location owner or specialist activity may require different coverage.
- Use the Film Permitting page to reach FilmPal and register the production.
- Submit the actual footprint, dates and activities. Keep the application receipt; submission does not mean approval.
- Follow the coordinator’s directions for supporting documents and revisions. The City currently directs applicants to email documents and changes.
- Confirm approval, pay the applicable charges and distribute the issued permit and final location information to the relevant crew.
A Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Pickering or Hamilton location needs its own jurisdiction check. Use the municipal film offices category in the Ontario Production Guide to find the responsible office, including for parking that supports a Toronto shoot.
TTC, Drones, Night Work and Special Effects
TTC filming is a separate process. The TTC’s major-production guidance calls for applications at least three weeks ahead. Train, track and platform work have different work-plan deadlines. Small crews should review the small-production options, which also require an application at least three weeks ahead. The property-permit option covers station filming with fewer than four people and limited equipment, without train access. The supervised option accommodates four to six people, including cast, with different access and equipment conditions.
Drone filming: engage an operator who can assess the exact aircraft, operation and airspace. Use Transport Canada’s flight-location guidance and its linked airspace tools. A City permit does not replace aviation authorisation, and permission to fly does not give permission to launch from a property.
Night work and effects: describe the intended activity early. The City’s filming guidelines address late-night exemptions, public-visible prop guns, traffic stoppages, pyrotechnics and emergency-services requirements. Allow time for review rather than adding an effect after the location is booked.
Other location authorities: contact the organisation responsible for the exact property, in addition to checking municipal permissions. These are useful starting points for commonly requested locations:
- GO Transit and UP Express filming: Metrolinx provides a property-use request process for its trains, buses, stations and platforms.
- TRCA conservation properties: use the filming contacts for conservation parks, the Village at Black Creek and Tommy Thompson Park.
- Toronto Port Authority property: direct filming enquiries to filming@torontoportauthority.com. Confirm the authority for the particular waterfront site.
- Toronto Pearson Airport: the airport’s work-authorization system includes film and photography. Pearson is outside the City of Toronto; use its airport process rather than a Toronto street permit.
Finding and Scouting Toronto Locations
Use the Ontario Locations Library for visual research, location packages and provincial scouting support. A listing is a starting point for a conversation with the owner and authorities; it does not reserve the property or establish what your production may do there.
| Area or setting | What to investigate on the scout |
|---|---|
| Downtown and the Financial District | Delivery windows, loading docks, underground access, traffic, pedestrian routes and reflections. |
| Leslieville, the Port Lands and the eastern waterfront | Exact gates, construction access, truck routes, wind exposure and travel between stages and locations. |
| Residential streets and neighbourhood businesses | Neighbour notification, customer access, parking footprint, lighting spill and the effect of generator placement. |
| Etobicoke and industrial locations | Distance between rental pickups and set, loading heights, ceiling clearance, usable power and nearby industrial noise. |
| Waterfront, islands and natural locations | Land ownership, access hours, transport, weather exposure, washrooms and equipment moves. |
Scout at the time of day you intend to shoot. Listen for aircraft, trains, streetcars, deliveries, refrigeration and HVAC. A quiet location during a weekend visit may behave very differently during a weekday dialogue scene.
Bring the people who can assess the work: locations, camera, lighting, grip, sound, art and production as needed. Check the route from the truck to set, stairs and elevators, power access, holding, meals, washrooms, accessibility and emergency access. Record who can approve changes and who will open the building.
Put the agreed access, prep, shooting and restoration terms in writing. HTFS’s location agreement template can help organise the paperwork; property permission and municipal approval serve different purposes.
Camera, Lighting, Grip and Sound Rentals
Compare the complete package, rental period and collection arrangements. The listings highlight equipment, published student terms and supplier-specific conditions; use the enquiry checklist after the directory to request comparable quotes.
Browse this directory: Smaller suppliers · Camera packages · Lighting & grip · Sound & artist-run resources · Outside Toronto
Smaller rental houses and student resources
These independent suppliers and artist-run resources cover short films, interviews, music videos and smaller jobs. Account, deposit and membership requirements differ.
| Supplier & contact | Equipment and rental terms |
|---|---|
| Downtown Camera 89 Queen Street East, Toronto 416-363-1749 rentals@downtowncamera.com | Cameras, lenses and smaller equipment rentals. Publishes a 20% student discount with valid student ID. Its Friday-after-3-p.m. to Monday-before-noon weekend window is billed as one rental day. Deposit requirements are published with the rental inventory. |
| Habibi Film Rentals 151 Sterling Road, Studio 3, Toronto 647-447-6166 rentals@habibifilmrentals.com | Independent camera, lens, lighting and audio supplier. The published Doc Interview package is $375 per day or weekend, plus HST, including an FX6, one Sony G-Master zoom, tripod, lavalier kit and shotgun microphone. Its separate student package has final-year film-program restrictions. Review account and insurance requirements before booking. |
| Neighbourhood Equipment 287 Horner Avenue, Etobicoke 647-748-0155 ext. 2 bookings@neighbourhoodstudios.com | Camera, lighting, grip and delivery enquiries. FilmPlus Photo Supply merged into Neighbourhood in 2024. Accepts student rental enquiries. Request an itemised package for your project, including deposit, insurance and collection/return arrangements. Use its equipment-location page to confirm pickup details. Rental FAQs |
| Charles Street Video 76 Geary Avenue, Toronto 416-603-6564 rentals@charlesstreetvideo.com | Artist-run equipment and post-production access. Its student production membership is listed at $60, with a $45 renewal. Membership and equipment hire are separate costs. Reduced Artist rates require qualifying non-commercial work under the artist’s creative control; arrange orientation and confirm eligibility. |
| Joe Sutherland Rentals 11 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 11, Toronto 416-778-4228 info@joesutherland.com | Small rental house with Canon and Sony cameras, lenses, grip, lighting and audio. Also carries working vintage cameras and prop cameras. |
| Canuck Camera 198 North Queen Street, Etobicoke 416-900-3549 info@ccc.camera | Cinema cameras, spherical and anamorphic lenses, lighting, grip and audio. Weekend access is by booking; confirm pickup, return and insurance terms when reserving. |
| Viva Camera 777 The Queensway, Unit 1, Etobicoke 437-747-6030 | Owner-operated camera, lens, lighting, grip and motion-control rentals, with online availability and pricing. Weekend pickups are by appointment. Studio hire is a separate booking through Viva Studio Rentals. |
| Budget Camera Rental 100 St. Regis Crescent South, North York 437-370-4580 | Cinema and mirrorless cameras, lenses, lighting, grip and audio, with individual items and bundles. Its student terms cover Media, Visual Arts and Fine Arts students with valid ID; request the applicable discount and rental conditions. |
| Album EQ 36 Cawthra Avenue, Toronto 416-537-9494 info@albumeq.com | Cameras, lenses, continuous and flash lighting, grip, audio and support equipment. Offers sprinter packages and delivery/pickup. Standard collection is 1 p.m. and return is 11 a.m.; arrange different times with the rental department, extension 200. |
LIFT, Lighthouse, Ontario Camera, Vistek and 2D House offer further options below. Compare transport, insurance, accessories and prep costs alongside equipment hire; company size alone does not determine the total bill.
Camera packages and additional suppliers
| Supplier & contact | Camera and general equipment |
|---|---|
| Keslow Camera Toronto 14 Vansco Road, Suite 100, Etobicoke 416-467-1700 | Cinema camera and lens packages. Keslow acquired Sim Camera in 2023; use the current company contact. |
| Panavision Toronto 900-A Don Mills Road, Toronto 416-444-7000 toronto@panavision.com | Camera and lens enquiries through the Toronto office. |
| Ontario Camera 20 Torlake Crescent, Toronto 647-345-8220 ontariocamera@gmail.com | Motion-picture equipment supplier serving productions of different sizes. |
| Vistek Toronto Rentals 496 Queen Street East, Toronto Rentals: 416-644-8080 | Ask about the required camera, lens, lighting or support items and the rental department’s current stock. |
| 2D House 230 New Toronto Street, Unit 1, Etobicoke Rentals: 416-800-2193 rentals@2dhouse.com | Camera, lighting, grip and specialty equipment, with studios on the same site. |
| Tiasam Studio Toronto; confirm collection address 647-829-1235 TiaSamStudio@gmail.com | Camera and lens rentals, including a Sony FX6, plus lighting, support and audio. Quotes each request individually. Can also supply an operator; clarify equipment-only hire, deposit and ID requirements. |
| Skyrex Rentals Toronto / GTA delivery | Publishes a combined camera, lens, lighting and grip package at $1,050 per day plus HST, with an Alexa Mini or RED Komodo X. Requires insurance and a security deposit. Use its booking form to confirm the complete inventory, delivery and prep. |
| 276 Sterling Studio equipment 276 Sterling Road, rear building, Toronto 647-848-8116 rentals@sterlingstudio.ca | Cinema cameras and lenses, plus lighting, grip, rigging and support. Publishes day and weekly equipment rates. Confirm whether your request is for location rental or use with a studio booking. |
Lighting and grip rental houses
| Supplier & contact | Lighting and grip |
|---|---|
| Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV 800 Islington Avenue, Etobicoke Toronto branch contact: 416-239-5050 | Lighting, grip and production equipment. Formerly known locally as William F. White/Whites. |
| MBS Equipment Co. Canada 67 Brown’s Line, Toronto 416-466-0037 | Toronto lighting and grip enquiries. |
| Cinelease Toronto 400B Pendant Drive, Mississauga 289-825-0303 | Lighting and grip rentals. This Toronto-serving branch is in Mississauga. |
| Lighthouse Inc. 85 Claireport Crescent, Etobicoke 647-962-0188 hello@lighthouseinc.ca | Boutique lighting and grip rental company. |
Production sound and independent-film resources
| Supplier & contact | Sound and independent-film resources |
|---|---|
| Trew Audio Toronto 17 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 4, Toronto Toronto contact: 416-778-0656 | Production sound, communications and support-equipment rentals. Check Canadian rental terms with the Toronto branch. |
| LIFT 1137 Dupont Street, Toronto 416-588-6444 | Independent-filmmaking equipment and facility rentals. Check membership, technical orientation and rental eligibility. |
Additional rental suppliers outside Toronto
| Supplier & contact | Equipment and collection |
|---|---|
| Canada Film Equipment 2416 Haines Road, Unit 1, Mississauga 416-626-0123 info@canadafilmequipment.com | Outside Toronto: Mississauga. Camera, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, electrical equipment and production vehicles. Compare a van or truck package with individual items and request the full equipment list. Account applications use the rental email. |
Send a rental enquiry with dates, prep and return days, delivery requirements, camera and lens list, power needs, crew size and insurance information. Ask which accessories are included. A body price is not a complete camera package, and a truck price may not include every fixture, cable, consumable or driver you need.
Arrange prep with the relevant crew. Camera should confirm the build, recording media and lens requirements; lighting and grip should confirm fixtures, control, power distribution, rigging and transport. HTFS’s lighting department guide explains who should be involved.
Toronto Studios and Sound Stages
Compare the usable space, booking terms and sound requirements for your shoot. Prices below are published examples; allow for tax, access, equipment and other charges in the complete quote. If sound isolation is not specified, arrange a recording test before booking dialogue.
Browse this directory: Shorter bookings · Furnished & daylight · Cycs & independent stages · Large campuses
Smaller studios, hourly bookings and half-day spaces
Start here for smaller rooms and shorter bookings. Where an operator publishes different stills and video prices, the video rate is shown.
| Studio & contact | Space, booking and sound |
|---|---|
| 18 Abell Studio 18 Abell Street, Toronto 416-301-7426 info@18abell.com | Space: Approximately 1,000 sq ft. Booking: $300 / five hours or $500 / 8 a.m.–7 p.m., plus HST. Setup and cleanup use booked time; extra equipment and overtime cost more. Sound: Not soundproof. |
| OBJX: Library room 100 Symes Road, Unit 200A, Toronto 647-236-6259 info@objx.studio | Space: Self-contained 20 × 20 ft room. Booking: $100/hour for one to four hours, $90/hour for five to seven, $85/hour for eight or more. After-hours charges apply. Over 15 people requires a full-studio booking. Sound: Other areas may be occupied; discuss recording before booking. |
| Album Studios: Studio E 34 Cawthra Avenue, Toronto 416-537-9494 ext. 215 info@albumstudios.com | Space: 850 sq ft second-floor loft with kitchen and blackout capability. Booking: Video: $600 / five hours or $800 / 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Electrical use included. Check load-in, insurance and deposit terms. Sound: Not soundproof. |
| Studio 311 9 Davies Avenue, Suite 311, Toronto 647-932-7337 booking@studio311.ca | Space: Natural-light loft for photo and video. Booking: Weekday video: $500 / four hours or $800 / eight. Weekend: $600 or $900. Equipment, overtime and seamless paper cost extra. Sound: Scout ambient noise and blackout needs. |
| Wade Studio 87 Wade Avenue, Unit 202, Toronto 647-525-2253 mark@wadestudio.ca | Space: 1,200 sq ft self-serve studio with white cyc, backdrops, lighting and grip. Includes strobes and continuous fixtures. Booking: $195 / two hours, $350 / four or $600 / eight. Confirm tax and the continuous-light kit needed for video. Sound: Described by the operator as virtually soundproof; scout for dialogue. |
| EyeDot Studio 548 Dundas Street West, Toronto 647-222-5711 eyedotstudiotoronto@gmail.com | Space: Photo/video space with white cyc and included lighting; also offers memberships and workshops. Booking: Hourly bookings. Request minimum hours, crew limit and the continuous-light inventory. |
| Studio Plus Four 83 Colville Road, Unit 1, North York 437-435-7418 info@studioplusfour.com | Space: Independent photo/video space with natural light and blackout options. Booking: Use the current booking calendar; request cyc specifications, included equipment and video permissions. |
Furnished rooms and daylight locations
These furnished interiors can reduce dressing and setup work. Confirm that the booking covers your filming activity, rather than assuming a photography reservation permits every production use.
| Studio & contact | Space, booking and sound |
|---|---|
| Mint Room Studios 300 Campbell Avenue, Toronto; unit varies by room 647-977-2793 hello@mintroom.ca | Space: Furnished daylight rooms with living-room, library, kitchen and loft looks. Booking: Room-specific rates and unit numbers. Commercial productions have separate requirements; disclose crew size, filming activity and lighting. |
| Preto Loft 213 Sterling Road, Unit 212, Toronto 647-977-2793 hello@mintroom.ca | Space: Mint Room’s separate Sterling Road facility: East Side, West Side and Solarium daylight loft rooms. Booking: Specify the room, crew size and video use. Sound: Check privacy and ambient noise when other rooms are occupied. |
| Fieldwork 588 Eastern Avenue, Toronto 647-247-8624 studio@fieldworkto.com | Space: Daylight spaces A and B with ground-floor load-in. Studio A has a cove, kitchen and furnished loft areas. Booking: Request the room’s rate. Entry-level grip included; additional equipment available. |
| THAT Toronto Studio 260 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 202A, Toronto 416-277-6355 | Space: Photo/video space; podcast recording is a separate service. Booking: Standard capacity 10, with an add-on for 20. Film/TV and music videos use a separate enquiry route. Night rates differ. Sound: Confirm the package meets recording needs. |
| Studio Bon Soleil 120 Ontario Street, Unit 403, Toronto 416-705-3604 studiobonsoleil@gmail.com | Space: Boutique photo/video space at the current Ontario Street location; the former Weston Road location is closed. Booking: Two-hour minimum. Setup and wrap use booked time. Enquire for groups over 20. |
| Bellamy Loft North York, Toronto 647-995-5414 hi@bellamyloft.com | Space: Decorated photo/video studio with props and furniture; advertised capacity up to 25. Booking: Request hourly or longer-booking rates and video requirements. |
| Junto Studio 915 Dupont Street, Unit 202, Toronto hi@heyjuntostudio.com | Space: Furnished main photography studio and a separate colourful space, The Other Room. Booking: Request a photo/video booking and filming permission. Furniture and lighting arrangements depend on the booking. |
Cyclorama studios and independent production stages
A cyclorama, or cyc, is a curved backdrop that creates a seamless background. Compare the usable stage area and included gear as well as the room price. Sound isolation varies between these facilities.
| Studio & contact | Space, booking and sound |
|---|---|
| 2D House Studios 230 New Toronto Street, Unit 1, Etobicoke studios@2dhouse.com 416-800-2499 | Space: Production, tabletop and virtual-production spaces. Studio Charlie: 1,800 sq ft, 13 ft clear grid, 8 × 8 ft doorway, loading access and 175A three-phase disconnect. Booking: Request a quote for the chosen studio and equipment. Sound: Charlie is sound-treated; treatment does not establish full isolation. |
| AstroLab Studios 629 Eastern Avenue, Building C, Toronto 647-874-4321 blastoff@astrolab.studio | Space: Independent 3,800 sq ft stage with cyc and 1,700 sq ft of support rooms. Booking: $2,250 / 13-hour shoot day; $1,700 / 10-hour pre-light or wrap day. Compare studio-only and equipment packages, tax and access. Sound: Advertised as soundproof. |
| Encounter Film Studios 138 Sunrise Avenue, Toronto 647-955-7685 rentals@encounterstudios.ca | Space: 3,600 sq ft cyc studio with grid, blackout blinds and truck-level loading. Camera, grip and lighting available on site. Booking: From $125/hour. Request minimum hours, insurance terms and included equipment. |
| Moonlight Studios 98 Montcalm Avenue, York, Toronto 647-785-8752 studio@moonlightrentals.ca | Space: 3,300 sq ft with pre-lit cyc, blackout VOID, motorized grid and drive-in access. Booking: $950 / up to six hours or $1,950 / up to 12. Hourly quotes available. Check tax, overtime and paid sets/effects. Sound: Check dialogue isolation. |
| Viva Studio Rentals 777 The Queensway, Unit 1, Etobicoke 437-747-6030 booking@vivastudios.ca | Space: 4,500 sq ft facility; 2,000 sq ft stage and 25 × 25 ft cyc. Booking: $450 / three hours, $750 / six or $1,200 / 12, before HST. Liability insurance required. Extra gear and cyc repaints cost more. Sound: Sound-treated, not soundproof. |
| 276 Sterling Studio 276 Sterling Road, rear building, Toronto 647-848-8116 rentals@sterlingstudio.ca | Space: 3,000 sq ft stage plus 1,250 sq ft support, 45 × 21 ft cyc, 15 ft ceiling and drive-in access. Booking: Quote required; camera, lighting and grip packages available. Sound: Described by the operator as fully soundproofed. |
| Pie in the Sky Studios Toronto; confirm the address for your booked stage 416-429-7437 | Space: Four studios, including smaller Studio 3. Room details and gear lists are published. Booking: Compare Studio 3 rates with larger stages; specify the exact studio, included gear and load-in. |
For rehearsal, blocking or dance-based work, Tandem Studios also lists hourly rooms from $46 to $60 at 3300 Yonge Street. These are dance studios with mirrors and sprung floors, so discuss filming, sound, lighting and equipment access before treating one as a shoot location. Contact rentals@tandemstudiostoronto.com.
Large sound stages and production campuses
For builds, larger crews or longer bookings, compare these facilities. Request the particular stage’s specification and complete production quote.
| Studio & contact | Stage and facility details |
|---|---|
| Pinewood Toronto Studios 225 Commissioners Street, Toronto 416-406-1235 · Stage specifications | Purpose-built stages with offices, workshops and support spaces. The Mega Stage is published as 46,080 sq ft, 256 × 180 ft, with 60 ft height and concrete floor. Its listed access includes 16 × 16 ft roll-up doors. |
| Cinespace Toronto Main contact: 777 Kipling Avenue, Toronto 416-406-4000 stages@cinespace.com | Kipling, Marine Terminal and Booth campuses. The operator publishes individual stage and campus maps, with production offices and support facilities. Confirm the campus and entrance before issuing directions. |
| Revival Film Studios 629 Eastern Avenue, Toronto Booking enquiries: 416-461-4500 info@revivalfilmstudios.ca | The operator lists 10 stages and nine support spaces on its Eastern Avenue site. Obtain the required stage’s dimensions, access and technical information directly. |
| TriBro Studios Toronto site: 6 Curity Avenue 416-885-8234 info@tribrostudios.com | Sound stages, offices and support spaces. Its Sandy Beach facility is in Pickering, outside Toronto, so specify which location you mean. |
Before committing, confirm clear height below obstructions, door clearances, floor loading, grid and rigging rules, usable electrical supply, HVAC noise, sound isolation, permitted effects, fire access, loading hours and parking. Request the cost of prep, wrap, power, cleaning, security, overtime and any required in-house services. A daylight photo studio and a dialogue-ready sound stage can have very different operating limits.
Hiring Toronto Crew and Performers
Identify the agreement and departments that apply to your production before making offers. Toronto has several unions and guilds with different coverage; membership in one organisation does not establish the rules for every crew member or job.
Finding people for a student or independent shoot
Use these direct starting points for casting and crew enquiries. Include the dates, location, role, hours, pay and intended use of the finished project when contacting someone.
- Find performers: browse ACTRAonline’s performer search for profiles, credits and contact or agent information. Confirm the agreement and hiring process for your production with ACTRA.
- School productions: check ACTRA Toronto’s student-production agreements with your school. Eligibility depends on the listed programme and year of study; student-film enquiries go to studentfilm@actratoronto.com.
- Independent technical crew: Charles Street Video can connect members with experienced editors or technical crew through its membership database. Ask the office about the people and skills your project needs.
| Organisation | Where it helps |
|---|---|
| IATSE Local 873 | Motion-picture technicians in departments including grip, lighting, sound, construction, costume and others. Use its contracts and rates and production crewing contacts. |
| IATSE Local 667 | Camera professionals and related represented categories. Ask the local about hiring, agreements and training routes. |
| NABET 700-M UNIFOR | Technicians working under its agreements. Its producer pages link to collective agreements, current rates and crew resumes. |
| Directors Guild of Canada | Search the member availability database and select Ontario and the relevant department, including assistant directing, locations and production roles. |
| IATSE Local 411 | Production coordination and other represented categories, including its production assistant, craftservice and honeywagon caucuses. Check the actual role and agreement. |
| ACTRA Toronto | Performer agreements for film, television and digital media. Emerging producers can review the low-budget production options and their approval requirements. |
For additional crew, casting and production-service contacts, use the Ontario Production Guide. Ask a candidate about relevant credits, availability, responsibilities, equipment and the scale of work they are comfortable handling. The right hire is someone qualified for the task you need done.
Confirm the day’s hours, prep and wrap, overtime, turnaround, meal arrangements, kit rental, mileage, travel, parking, payroll and payment terms in writing. Use the applicable agreement’s current rate sheet and ask about required contributions and fringes. There is no single Toronto day rate that describes every department and production.
If hiring paid child performers, review Ontario’s child-performer requirements during preproduction. Hours, breaks, supervision and schooling can affect the schedule and staffing plan.
Catering and Crew Meals
Choose the meal service around your crew size, break location and schedule. Smaller shoots can compare pickup, delivered boxes and shared trays; a staffed truck or all-day craft service has a different cost and footprint.
Browse this directory: Small-crew meals · Film catering & craft · Props & wardrobe · Supplies & transport · Post-production
Meals and catering for small crews
Compare the complete meal cost, order minimum and delivery window. A minimum can apply to each dish as well as the whole order; pickup may suit crews below a delivery threshold.
| Supplier & contact | Meals, minimums and delivery |
|---|---|
| Fusaro’s Italian Kitchen 416-260-8414 fusarosinc@gmail.com | Restaurant catering and family-style meals. Several pasta dishes have a five-person minimum; penne pomodoro is listed at $11 per person. The panini/wrap assortment has an eight-person minimum. These are individual menu items, not a complete meal-package price. Online catering and pickup need 24 hours’ notice; confirm delivery coverage and the order with the restaurant. |
| Vert Casse Croûte 416-535-2412 | Sandwiches, salads and individually boxed meals. Sandwich-and-salad menu lists $20.50 per person, minimum eight, with individual boxing $1 extra. Tax, delivery and tableware are additional. Its terms list a $125 general food-order minimum and recommend 48 hours’ notice. |
| Fast Fresh Foods catering@fastfreshfoods.ca | Sandwiches, salads and platters for downtown locations. Publishes a downtown delivery area between Avenue Road and Church Street, south of College Street. Order by 3 p.m. on the previous business day. Its page lists a $50 delivery threshold and a $6 delivery charge below that amount; confirm the applicable minimum and charge for your order. Request napkins and serving utensils if needed. |
| Pumpernickel’s Toronto / GTA delivery 416-863-9880 | Boxed meals, sharing platters and hot buffets for groups from six. Published delivery minimum is $85 before tax on weekdays and $250 before tax and delivery on weekends; menu-item minimums also apply. Pickup avoids the $85 delivery minimum. Standard delivery is drop-off, with a delivery window rather than an exact handoff time. |
| La Rio’s 839 Queen Street West, Toronto 647-548-8740 catering@larios.ca | Labelled bowls and taco kits for film crews, with a 10-person minimum. Lists an Essential Crew Meal from $13 per person, before delivery and HST. Halal and vegan choices available. |
| Shawarma Moose 898 College Street, Toronto 647-340-8001 catering@shawarmamoose.ca | Individually packaged bowls, wraps and souvlaki lunches, with a 10-person minimum. Published examples include bowls from $12 and chicken/falafel wraps from $10; a wrap price excludes sides. Delivery and HST are additional. |
| Silver Feast Catering Pickering-based; serves Toronto / GTA 647-830-0079 silverfeastcatering@gmail.com | Labelled boxed lunches from $24 per person. Its contact page lists a 15-person drop-off minimum and 48 hours’ notice; staffed service has a higher minimum. |
For every food order, provide meal counts by dietary need, the service time, exact entrance and a reachable set contact. Confirm tax, delivery, serving staff, side dishes, drinks, serviceware, safe storage and waste arrangements in the total. Crews below a catering minimum can compare individual orders and planned pickup.
Film catering, food trucks and craft service
Catering supplies scheduled meals; craft service covers drinks and snacks through the working day. Some companies offer both. Request a quote for your crew size and schedule, with any minimum spend, staffing, truck access and company moves stated separately.
| Supplier & contact | Service and quote requirements |
|---|---|
| Blazing Kitchen Toronto / Ontario locations 416-993-2362 blazingkitchen@rogers.com | Film, TV and music-video catering, including smaller productions. Offers catering vans, taco/BBQ trucks and a coffee truck. Request a crew-size quote for delivered food or a staffed truck, including minimum spend, access and the serving schedule. |
| Hearty Catering Toronto / GTA 416-410-2928 info@heartycatering.com | Film/TV meals and snacks for production offices, sets and construction crews, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu options. Request the appropriate drop-off or on-set arrangement, minimum order and dietary preparation requirements. |
| Gourmet Craft & Catering Oakville-based; serves film / TV productions 416-846-1676 antoniomeleca@yahoo.com | Film and television catering plus mobile craft trucks with drinks, snacks and meals. Quote scheduled meals and all-day craft separately, specifying crew count, hours and company moves. Confirm the minimum booking and Toronto travel charges. |
| Fresh Craft Toronto / GTA 416-887-4672 admin@freshcraftfilm.com | Mobile on-set craft service, with hot food, snacks, coffee and smoothies. Advertises early-call and overnight coverage. Confirm minimum crew size or spend, staffing hours, replenishment, truck parking and whether scheduled main meals are included. |
| PG Harvey Events Toronto / GTA | Publishes film-production boxed-meal and buffet options with sample menus and pricing links. Enquire through its film page for the minimum order and staffed-service options. |
| On The Move Catering & Events 5200 Dixie Road, Unit 6, Mississauga 905-615-9957 info@otm.ca | Outside Toronto: Mississauga. Film-set boxed meals, buffets, breakfasts and craft services. Advertises service for 10 to 200+ people, with category-specific minimums confirmed in the quote. Request delivery, setup, staffing and strike costs for your location. |
| The Food Dudes 24 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 2, Toronto 647-340-3833 events@thefooddudes.com | Buffet, BBQ, breakfast and food-truck menus. Request the production minimum and choose delivered or staffed service. |
| Kiss the Cook Catering Toronto / GTA 416-264-4040 | Drop-off lunches, daily catering, BBQ and staffed options. Publishes service for groups as small as 10 and generally requests five business days’ notice for corporate orders. Shorter lead times require an enquiry. |
| David Mintz Catering Film / TV catering 647-837-3348 david@dmcatering.ca | Film and television catering, including food-truck logistics and production meals. Booking enquiries use extension 1. |
Props and Wardrobe Rentals
Use reference images, dimensions, era and quantities to narrow a prop enquiry. For wardrobe, include performer measurements, fitting dates, duplicates and continuity needs. Ask about rental periods, cleaning, alterations and restoration before taking items to set.
| Supplier & contact | Services and booking |
|---|---|
| Wiseacre Rentals 55 Jutland Road, Etobicoke Office: 647-939-2769 Props: 647-831-1035 Costumes: 647-831-1435 | Props, costumes and production supplies. Access: warehouse visits by appointment. |
| Setwares 9 Davies Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto 416-456-9102 | Small online prop house for set dressing, hardware, practical lights, signs and other small pieces. Access: catalogue online; visits by appointment. Submit a set list for a quote and arrange pickup/return with the order. |
| CT Props Toronto; collection arranged with the owner 416-346-7298 cheryl@ctprops.ca | Household props, kitchen items, decor, books and technology props. Terms: published prices cover one week; allow at least 24 hours for orders. New clients need an account. Closed weekends; arrange collection with Cheryl. |
| Pickle Props Shop 1377 The Queensway, Unit 106, Etobicoke 416-354-2823 | Furniture, practicals, rugs, cleared art and smaller set dressing. Access: online inventory and hold requests. Weekday dock closes at 4:45 p.m.; complete pickups and returns before then. |
| Ian Drummond Collection 222 Islington Avenue, Unit 8, Etobicoke 416-531-2591 rentals@iandrummondcollection.com | Vintage wardrobe, footwear and accessories from the 1890s–1990s. Access: industry professionals by appointment. Entrance is door 18 on 8th Street, at the rear/west of the building. Send era, measurements, reference images and rental dates. |
| Thunder Thighs Costumes 16 Busy Street, Toronto 416-462-0621 thunderthighscostumes@gmail.com | Film, TV and theatre wardrobe with individual pieces rather than packaged costumes. Terms: individuals normally rent for one week; production periods vary. Valid credit card required. Lists a $500 deposit for rentals above $100 before tax/cleaning; dry cleaning is charged separately. |
Location Supplies and Production Transport
Separate location supplies, equipment transport and passenger transport in the budget. A van rental, an equipment package with a driver and a full transport service cover different jobs. Quote the required hours, mileage, load-in, parking and return arrangements.
Location equipment and set support
| Supplier & contact | Services and booking |
|---|---|
| Film and Event Solutions 212 Norseman Street, rear unit, Etobicoke 416-537-3456 | Location equipment, walkie-talkies, pipe and drape, expendables, location preparation and set support. Booking: build a rental list through its catalogue or contact the office. Collection and return hours are separate from your shoot’s working hours. |
| Bullet Proof Location Support 60 Chauncey Avenue, Etobicoke 437-350-0708 | Tables, chairs, tents, cones, makeup mirrors, heaters and location packages, plus set preparation and protection services. Booking: pickup or delivery; full and partial packages. Specify the location surface, access and workday when requesting prep or protection. |
| 2D House location equipment 230 New Toronto Street, Unit 1, Etobicoke 416-800-2193 rentals@2dhouse.com | Tables, chairs, 10 × 10 ft tents, bins, cable mats, pylons, wardrobe racks and steamers. Booking: quote individual location items alongside, or separately from, the camera and lighting package. |
- Pulsar Medical: Toronto and Ontario set-medic staffing and production medical consulting. Discuss activities, access and the emergency plan when requesting coverage.
- Sunbelt’s Toronto Film & TV branch: enquiries about generators, access equipment, climate control and related production equipment.
Vans, trucks and equipment packages
| Supplier & contact | Services and booking |
|---|---|
| Bristol Car & Truck Rentals 77 Nassau Street West, Toronto 416-593-9882 gweintraub@bristoltruckrentals.com | Self-drive cargo vans, cube vans, passenger vehicles and trucks. Booking: confirm the actual branch vehicle, load dimensions, driver eligibility, insurance, mileage and return arrangements. Downtown branch lists Saturday hours and Sunday closure. |
| Hertz Entertainment Services Canadian production vehicle enquiries 416-346-6383 ryan.oconnor@hertz.com | Film/TV vehicle accounts covering crew cars, minivans, SUVs and larger passenger vehicles. Booking: request production rates and the Toronto pickup/delivery arrangements. Vehicle rental does not automatically include a driver or transport crew. |
| Switzer Digital Package truck based in south Etobicoke switzerdigital@gmail.com | Grip and lighting package truck with a company staff driver. Terms: production insurance required; package rentals are payment on delivery. Lists 50 km range as the crow flies, with further travel by arrangement. Small-budget projects can enquire about equipment sponsorship; this is not guaranteed or a general à-la-carte service. |
| Neighbourhood vehicle packages 287 Horner Avenue, Etobicoke 647-748-0155 info@neighbourhoodstudios.com | Pre-loaded Sprinter and Hino lighting/grip packages with operator and swing. Booking: select the inventory package and request a written total for equipment, vehicle, crew, hours, mileage and fuel. Equipment delivery is also available without a full vehicle package. |
For trailers, washrooms, security, freight, insurance and further specialist services, use the Ontario Production Guide’s supplier categories. Give each supplier the real footprint and workday, including prep and wrap.
Independent Post-Production and Film Labs
Choose between hiring a post-production service and renting facilities to do the work yourself. Send the running time, edit status, source formats, deadline and delivery requirements with the enquiry. Agree on the colour pipeline, media handoff, backups and required masters before shooting.
| Supplier & contact | Services and booking |
|---|---|
| Charles Street Video 76 Geary Avenue, Toronto 416-603-6564 rentals@charlesstreetvideo.com | Editing and transfer facilities for projects you are editing yourself. Access: member and non-member conditions apply. Check room rates, software, storage and whether technical assistance is included. |
| Trinity Square Video 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 121, Toronto 416-593-1332 | Artist-run post services including editing, colour, sound design, mastering, subtitles and DCP creation. Access: check membership options for editing-suite access; the trainee/student/senior category is listed at $50/year. Membership is separate from technical work and service charges. |
| Noodle Factory Post 233 Broadview Avenue, Toronto 416-504-3662 contact@noodlefactorypost.com | Boutique picture post: colour correction, conform, packaging, supervision, broadcast deliverables and LTO archiving. Booking: send the film length, locked-edit status, camera formats and required outputs for a project quote. |
| The Dark Studio 645 Dupont Street, Toronto 416-537-6813 sarah@thedarkstudio.com | Sound editing, mixing, sound design, Foley and colour grading, with preview and screening rooms. Booking: specify whether the project needs picture finishing, sound work or both, plus the delivery format and deadline. |
| Frame Discreet 42 Cawthra Avenue, Toronto 416-901-5332 info@framediscreet.com | Film processing, scanning, colour correction and restoration. Booking: appointments required; discuss stock, gauge, processing, scan resolution, colour workflow and file delivery before shooting or sending film. |
Larger post-production facilities
- Company 3 Toronto: post-production enquiries at 901 King Street West, Suite 700; 416-364-4321.
- Picture Shop Toronto: dailies, editorial, colour, sound and related post services. 30 Adelaide Street East; 416-585-9995.
Budgeting, Tax Credits and Funding
Incentive information checked October 29, 2026. These are production-company programmes with eligibility and eligible-expenditure rules, rather than discounts available to every shoot. The Ontario Creates tax-credit overview identifies the three main provincial credits.
| Programme | Published base rate and expenditure basis |
|---|---|
| Ontario Film & Television Tax Credit (OFTTC) | 35% of qualified Ontario labour expenditure for eligible Ontario-based Canadian corporations. |
| Ontario Production Services Tax Credit (OPSTC) | 21.5% of qualified Ontario production expenditure for eligible Canadian- or foreign-controlled corporations. |
| Ontario Computer Animation & Special Effects Tax Credit (OCASE) | 18% of qualifying Ontario labour expenditure for eligible digital animation and visual effects. |
The OPSTC programme page explains its interaction with the federal production-services credit, which is calculated on qualified Canadian labour. Different credits use different bases and assistance rules. Have production accounting assess the actual budget rather than adding the headline percentages.
For OFTTC regional planning, use Ontario Creates’ regional bonus rules and location tool. Moving from Toronto to another GTA municipality does not by itself establish eligibility. Minimum days, the proportion of location days and the programme’s defined GTA boundary matter.
For independent production, investigate Toronto Arts Council’s Media Artists Program: Creation for individual media artists and Telefilm’s Talent to Watch for emerging filmmakers’ first features. Their eligibility rules and intake dates differ. At this guide’s October 29, 2026 check, both published 2026 application deadlines had passed; check the official pages for the next intake.
The City’s film-sector funding programmes support eligible organisations delivering skills development, sector initiatives and industry events. They do not provide financing for a filmmaker’s own production. Check the programme’s purpose before spending time on an application.
Budget beyond the shoot days: scouting, permits, insurance, locations, deposits, prep, stage power, overtime, travel, parking, trucks, meals, expendables, data storage, post and contingency. HTFS’s film budget template is a starting point for organising those costs.
Parking, Power, Sound and Company Moves
Keep crew parking separate from production parking. Confirm exactly which vehicles can use the permitted footprint, where personal cars go and how people get from parking to set. Include an address, entrance and parking instructions on the call sheet; a studio name alone can send someone to the wrong gate.
Build routes around the actual vehicle. Check truck height, loading doors, curb access, turning space, elevators, pedestrian routes and the movement of carts. Allow loading and unloading time in a shooting schedule, including company moves. Use the City’s road restrictions and closures information close to the shoot date.
Power should be assessed on the scout. Have qualified personnel check available supply, distribution, cable routes and what else shares the circuits. Confirm stage-power charges and any required house electrician. Establish where a generator, battery system or other supply can safely operate without compromising sound, access or the location.
Record test sound at the actual shooting time. Check refrigeration, HVAC, nearby businesses, streetcars, rail, aircraft, elevators and construction. Agree which systems may be switched off, who controls them and how they will be restored. HTFS’s guide to working with the sound department covers coordination with grip and electric.
Plan holding, meals, washrooms, accessible routes, waste removal and emergency access before filling the location with equipment. Put the nearest suitable emergency facility and access instructions in the production’s emergency plan and call sheet. Use Ontario’s film and television safety guidelines for the work involved, including weather, rigging, electrical work and special effects.
Toronto Weather and Daylight Planning
Toronto can be much hotter or colder than a monthly average suggests. The table shows average daily highs and lows from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Toronto (City) 1991–2020 climate normals. These historical averages describe the season; they are not temperature limits or a forecast for your shoot.
| Month | Average high °C | Average low °C |
|---|---|---|
| January | −0.3 | −6.7 |
| February | 0.6 | −6.0 |
| March | 5.1 | −1.8 |
| April | 11.7 | 3.9 |
| May | 18.8 | 10.0 |
| June | 24.2 | 15.3 |
| July | 27.0 | 18.1 |
| August | 26.1 | 17.7 |
| September | 22.0 | 13.8 |
| October | 14.6 | 7.7 |
| November | 8.1 | 2.3 |
| December | 2.6 | −2.7 |
Summer heat and winter cold can be far more severe. The City’s climate overview notes summer days above 30°C and winter temperatures that can fall below −25°C. Those are conditions that can occur, not normal temperatures for every day of the season. Humidity can make summer work feel hotter, while wind can make winter exposure feel colder.
- Summer: plan shade, drinking water, cooling space and breaks around the actual work and forecast. Check humidex as well as air temperature. A humidex of 40 is a measure of perceived heat, not a thermometer reading of 40°C. Allow for thunderstorms and changes to exterior work.
- Winter: plan heated holding, warm-up breaks, suitable clothing, ice control and extra time for loading and travel. Check wind chill separately from air temperature. Protect batteries and equipment, and avoid assuming snow cover will remain consistent between shoot days.
- Spring and autumn: allow for rain, changing foliage, cooler nights and freeze-thaw conditions. Scout for the time of day you intend to film and check access again after a change in weather.
Use ECCC’s Toronto forecast and weather alerts for the shoot dates, then check conditions at the actual location. Read the observation-station label: an airport reading is not a measurement at your set. Recheck conditions through the working day and agree who can pause exterior work when weather changes.
Use the National Research Council’s sunrise/sunset calculator for the exact date and city. Buildings, trees and terrain can remove useful direct light before sunset. Plan the sun path on the scout, and distinguish daylight, direct sun, blue hour and practical working light when estimating the exterior schedule.
Information for Visiting and International Crews
For international hires, establish permission to work before travel is booked. IRCC’s work-in-Canada guidance and the CMPA’s film-industry immigration guidance are starting points. Requirements depend on the person’s role and circumstances; permission to enter Canada does not automatically settle permission to work.
For equipment arriving from abroad, review the CBSA guidance on temporary admission using ATA carnets. Arrange the appropriate documentation, serial-number inventory and re-export process with the production’s customs adviser. Rental in Toronto may simplify the equipment plan, but compare the complete costs.
Book accommodation against the actual stage or location schedule. A downtown hotel can be convenient for one unit and a poor choice for repeated early calls in Etobicoke or elsewhere in the GTA. Confirm how crew will reach set when public-transit services do not suit the call or wrap.
Toronto uses Eastern Time, with seasonal daylight-saving changes. Put the local time zone on travel information and remote meetings, and confirm the correct date and gate for arriving crew. Give visitors the location contact, access instructions, parking plan and a working mobile number.
Small Crews, Student Films and Affordable Resources
Scale the production around the actual footprint. A small interview can still need property permission, insurance and a plan for sound, power and access. Ask the Film Office which rules apply to your activity; crew size alone does not answer that question.
Student production registration, grid permits and parks permits are free for qualifying academic projects. Use the school’s name as the production company and provide its insurance certificate; commercial work outside the academic project needs separate insurance. Overnight work, effects, road activity and public-visible prop weapons have restrictions. Check the City’s student guidance with your school, including insurance and supervision.
LIFT’s equipment and facility rentals and workshops are useful independent-film resources. Compare these with the student and independent rental options above. Review access requirements and orientation before building a schedule around equipment. Obtain actual package quotations from rental suppliers and consider the full cost of transport, insurance and prep.
If hiring ACTRA performers, review the appropriate low-budget guideline early with ACTRA. Small budgets do not remove approval requirements, and the production’s format and intended distribution affect which agreement is appropriate.
Finding Film Work and Training in Toronto
Start with a department and learn how its work is hired. The City’s screen-industry careers and training resources explain the local pathways; HTFS’s first film-set job guide covers approaching the industry without prior set experience.
- IATSE 873 applications: check departmental requirements and whether intake is open. At the October 29, 2026 check, the application page stated that new permit applications were not being accepted.
- NABET permittee applications and its apprenticeship programme are different routes. Read the experience and training requirements for the route that fits you.
- IATSE 667: consult the camera local directly about its current camera-trainee and membership processes.
- DGC member and availability search: useful for understanding represented departments and finding established professionals. Consult DGC Ontario about current entry and training requirements.
- LIFT workshops and HTFS’s Toronto film-school directory cover different kinds of training. Compare the actual course, equipment access, cost and intended career route.
The City’s current-production list helps show what is shooting, but a production listing is not a job advertisement. Follow the employer’s advertised application process, build relevant experience and keep your resume and required certificates current. Training and acceptance into an applicant pool do not guarantee work.
For professional development and community, check the Canadian Society of Cinematographers’ workshops and Hot Docs’ documentary industry programmes. CSC workshops are generally for members unless stated otherwise. Review current eligibility and dates before making plans.
Before You Shoot: Toronto Production Checklist
- Confirm the location, jurisdiction and decision-makers.
- Complete the scout and establish access, sound, power, holding and the emergency plan.
- Confirm property agreements, insurance, permits and any specialist approvals.
- Book crew, performers, equipment and support under clear written terms.
- Confirm prep, parking, coning, shooting and wrap arrangements with the people affected.
- Check weather, road conditions, daylight and supplier collection/return deadlines.
- Issue a clear call sheet with the correct entrance, parking, location contact and emergency information.
- Confirm media, backup and post-production handoff before the first card is recorded.
Keep the supporting paperwork together. HTFS has existing crew contact lists, script breakdown sheets and location agreements to help organise the production. Choose the documents that fit the job.
Toronto Filming Questions
Is a Toronto film permit free?
Commercial registration and several permits have charges. See the table and City schedule for exemptions and additional costs.
Can I use a Toronto permit for the entire GTA?
Check every municipality and property authority in your footprint, including support parking. Use the Ontario Production Guide’s municipal film-office listings to find the responsible office.
Can a small crew film on the TTC?
The TTC has specific small-production options. Read the crew, equipment, access and insurance conditions and apply through the TTC process.
Does renting a studio include power and equipment?
Ask for a written itemised quotation. Stage hire, power, equipment, staffing, prep, wrap, cleaning, parking and overtime can be priced separately.
Where should a visiting production start?
Speak with the Toronto Film Office and Ontario Creates’ locations team about the planned shoot. Build the local crew, location and supplier plan around the actual dates and footprint.
Sources, Verification and Corrections
Permit and municipal information was checked against the City of Toronto and TTC; incentive information against Ontario Creates; climate normals against Environment and Climate Change Canada. The relevant official pages are linked beside the information. Supplier and facility contacts were checked against their published websites on October 29, 2026.
Confirm availability, prices, technical specifications and approval requirements directly with the relevant organisation. Request a written quotation or agreement before committing to a booking.
We hope this guide helps you plan a better Toronto shoot. Contact HTFS with a correction or a useful local resource, including the organisation’s official link and what has changed, so the information can be checked before the guide is updated.