Filmport Studios, the first phase of Toronto's new state-of-the-art film studio, officially opened Wednesday. And, the facility, located on 45 acres in the Port Lands, not only offers 250,000 square feet of production space for filmmakers, it's also a unique venue for corporate events, according to Filmport general manager Linda Ferguson. "We do host events. Our only difficulty with that is we can't guarantee a one-day event very far in advance," she said prior to the opening ceremony. "So if you need a space a month away, we're happy to do that. Otherwise it's difficult for us."
Ferguson explained that film productions take precedence over bookings for one-day events. However, the studios—which were recently home to a trade show for Astral Media and will host an International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees art display next week—can accommodate large-scale corporate functions, including teambuilding activities (think laser tag) in one of the seven sound stages. The lobbies located in the main buildings on the Filmport and Heward campuses are also available for receptions.
Designed by Quadrangle Architects Ltd., Phase 1 of Filmport Studios is the largest and most technologically advanced film studio in Canda. It is also the largest studio complex outside of Los Angeles and, officials say, it is home to North America's biggest purpose-built sound stage, which covers 45,000 square feet and is designed with flying buttresses on the outside to eliminate the need for internal support pillars, thereby allowing for the construction of elaborate film sets. "For me, I have to say that the mega stage is now my Notre Dame. It's my cathedral, and I plan to worship there regularly," Canadian director David Cronenberg said during a press conference at the site Wednesday.
Cronenberg, whose films include The Fly, A History of Violence, and Eastern Promises, was on hand to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with Toronto Mayor David Miller, Toronto Economic Development Corporation president and C.E.O. Jeffrey Steiner, and Filmport president Ken Ferguson. In addition to the studio lot, Filmport will ultimately include space for film and television businesses, such as post-production companies and film schools, as well as a series of shops and restaurants.
