Why Toronto Deserves Recognition in the Film Industry
By: Samantha Delisser
Image Credits: Jan Jennings, Maarten van den Heuvel, Harrison Haines, Scott Webb, James Wheeler, Eric Urici, Andre Furtado, tortoon
For over 65 years, Toronto has been a go-to destination for filmmakers. Between its dynamic architecture, scenic neighbourhoods, and diverse green spaces, the city boasts a picturesque spot for the filming of TV shows and movies of all genres. This is shown by Toronto filming locations like Casa Loma, Roy Thomson Hall, and Sherway Gardens being used in shows and films such as X-Men (2000), The Boys (2019), and Mean Girls (2004), respectively. However, the filming contributions of Toronto’s scenic locations are often overlooked. Whether it be the bustling downtown metropolis or smaller surrounding neighbourhoods, like the Danforth, I believe proper credit should be given to the Toronto locations that help cinema come to life.
Though it’s rarely brought up in conversations about filming locations, the Danforth has made its mark on film. As one of Toronto’s most charming neighbourhoods, how could it not? The Danforth embraces its cultural and historical connections to the Greek community, not just through its residents, but through the various restaurants and shops that decorate the streets with personality. From iconic store signs, like the gold and black patterning of Mezes, to the vibrant, fresh flowers of Percy Waters Florist, the character of this city is one people want to see on the big screen. Not to mention the visual landmark of the Danforth Music Hall, with its warm, red bricks and classic marquee dotted with retro-style lights that scream cinematic beauty.
The Danforth has been featured in a variety of films, including My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and Shazam! (2019). However, its usefulness as a filming spot isn’t common knowledge. In fact, I would say that most people wouldn’t even guess this neighbourhood has been used in films, much less box office hits. But why is this? Why doesn’t the Danforth, or Toronto at large, get recognized for its contributions to film? I believe that the core of this problem is the chameleon-like behaviour that our city takes on when filming. This is essentially a double-edged sword: Toronto’s cityscape, architecture, and general aesthetic can be moulded to resemble many different places, but this results in the unintended effect of blending in so much that audiences might not realize they’re watching a Toronto film set.
Toronto’s adaptability is a huge advantage for filmmakers who want their movies to take place in an American city. For example, take the Academy Award-winning musical, Chicago (2002). As the name suggests, the events of the film take place in the titular city. However, a few scenes were actually filmed in the Danforth neighbourhood. One specific location featured in this film was the Danforth Music Hall, which was transformed into a vintage backdrop for 1920s Chicago; a clear demonstration of Toronto’s ability to represent an alternate city.
Historically, this tends to happen due to how much cheaper it is to film in Canada than America. Between the more affordable cost of film sets and the significant tax incentives offered by the Canadian film industry, filmmakers can save considerably on costs like labour and production. This makes Toronto a preferred place for cost-effective filming.
While it’s great that our local landscapes can adapt to match different stories, it leaves an impression that the distinct and individual personality of Toronto—and the Danforth—is being dismissed. In terms of what it offers filmmakers, Toronto doesn’t get equal recognition, especially when compared to somewhere like New York City. This is part of a broader trend in which Toronto is often treated as a “generic” North American city. A practice like this denies the city its cinematic identity, as it displays our versatile architecture and skyline as something else, instead of owning and showcasing the range of neighbourhoods, like the Danforth, that make it a unique place.
I believe that this prevents audiences from seeing what Toronto looks like across the screen and developing a deeper understanding of the visual culture and atmosphere of our city. It makes sense that stories aren’t being told about Toronto or recognized on screen if not many people really know what the city is like. I mean, how would anyone appreciate the busy streets of Yonge and Bloor during the day, or the nightlife of Danforth Avenue unless they’re being explicitly shown? Since the personality of Toronto, and subsequently the Danforth, hasn’t avidly been conveyed on the screen, it’s much easier for filmmakers to represent our adaptable city as something it’s not, as opposed to truly developing its character to be recognized on film.
It’s evident that Toronto, and particularly the Danforth, is an overlooked gem in the filming industry with its versatility as a backdrop to any movie. While this chameleon effect has been good for the thriving Canadian filming industry in the city, I believe it’s finally time that Toronto steps into the spotlight with its unique cinematic character and embraces the identity, history, and beauty that only it can exhibit. Instead of being masked as a stand-in for other cities, Toronto should be celebrated for what it is: a rich, vibrant city that can tell its own compelling stories, with the Danforth at its heart.
