According to a recent Hamilton Spectator article by Daniel Nolan, film and television productions injected more than $80 million into the local economy in 2025, setting a new record for the city’s film sector.
That spending came from 158 productions filming across Hamilton last year. While slightly below the city’s all-time high of 177 productions in 2022, the economic impact tells a much bigger story.
A Record Economic Impact
The $80M+ figure represents:
- A 34% increase over 2024, when productions spent $59.5 million
- A significant jump from $50 million in 2023
- An increase over the previous high of $73 million in 2022
As the article notes, this growth came despite industry disruptions caused by the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes, which slowed production throughout much of 2023 and into 2024.
Devon Hogue, Business Development Consultant for Creative Industries with the City of Hamilton, emphasized the broader benefits of this activity:
“This is money spent across the city, contributing to the success of local businesses through the creation and sustaining of jobs, supporting the local creative workforce and assisting our community organizations.”
Hamilton’s Share of Ontario Production Continues to Grow
The Spectator reports that 36% of all Ontario-based productions in 2024 filmed in Hamilton, with expectations that the city’s share will increase further once provincial numbers for 2025 are released.
From major studio series to independent productions, Hamilton continues to prove itself as one of the most active and production-friendly cities in the province.
Breakout Productions and Global Reach
Among the standout projects of 2025 was Heated Rivalry, a six-episode series that filmed at locations including McMaster University, Dundurn Castle, Gore Park, and the Trocadero Restaurant. The show premiered on Crave, was picked up by HBO Max, and quickly became an international hit — even earning mentions during CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast and appearances at major awards shows.
The city also hosted productions for platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney/Hulu, Hallmark, CBC, CTV, and more, as well as feature films such as Ready or Not 2: Here I Come and the remake of Youngblood.
The Hamilton Film Board: Building What Comes Next
Importantly for the local industry, the article also highlights the formation of the Hamilton Film Board, noting its role in the city’s long-term screen-sector growth.
Hogue pointed to the Film Board as a key development, stating that the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Film Board share a common vision for growing and developing the film sector.
For an industry built on collaboration, infrastructure, and long-term planning, that alignment matters.
Looking Ahead
With production rebounding after industry-wide disruptions, a growing local workforce, and increased coordination between filmmakers, the City, and industry partners, Hamilton’s screen sector is clearly entering its next phase.
Record spending is not the finish line. It’s the foundation.
Read the full Hamilton Spectator article here.