Item - 2021.FB9.3

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board on July 12, 2021 and was adopted with amendments.

FB9.3 - Introducing Film Permit Fees

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Amended

Board Decision

The Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board requested the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries to:

1. Continue to work with relevant City Divisions to complete a model for charging fees for film permits, in order to present a report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and City Council in September 2021 and to consider the following information when finalizing the report:

a. Consider the Board's preference regarding fees as follows:

1. Tier 1 be set at $300;

2. Tier 2 be set at $150; and

3. Tier 3 be set at no fee, as outlined in the report.

b. Consider implementing a cap on the fees.

c. Consider directing the funds into customer service enhancements; and

d. Develop a communications plan.

Decision Advice and Other Information

The Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries gave an overview of the item.

Origin

(June 24, 2021) Report from the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries

Summary

The Film, Television and Digital Media Office (Film Office) is seeking to introduce fees to its current film permit structure (for location shoots on city-owned and operated properties and streets) starting in 2022. The purpose of this report is to provide the Film, Television and Digital Media Board with an update on the background and work done to date regarding the introduction of film permit fees.

Background Information

(June 24, 2021) Report from the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries on Introducing Film Permit Fees
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/fb/bgrd/backgroundfile-168722.pdf

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Jonathan Ahee (Carried)

That:

1. The Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board request the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries, to take into consideration the following preference of the Board regarding fees when finalizing the report:

a. Tier 1 be set at $300;

b. Tier 2 be set at $150; and

c. Tier 3 be set at no fee, as outlined in the report.

2 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Paula Fletcher (Carried)

That the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board request the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries to:

1. Take the following into consideration when finalizing the report:

- Consider implementing a cap on the fees;

- Direct the funds into customer service enhancements; and

- Develop a communications plan; and

2. Continue to work with relevant Divisions to complete a model for charging fees for film permits, in order to present a report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and City Council in September 2021.