The Impact of Filming Locations on Film and TV Reference to Canadian Culture

Why do numerous films and TV series often film in Canada, yet many do not explicitly reference Canadian culture? This article explores the reasons behind this paradox, focusing on the impact of filming locations, the American influence, and the emphasis on production cost savings. We will also examine whyCanadian films are predominantly produced for the American market, rather than retaining a focus on Canadian culture.

The Role of Filming Locations in the Canadian Film Industry

Many films and TV shows are filmed in Canada due to its diverse landscapes and the benefits of lower Canadian dollar tax credits (along with less stringent union regulations). These factors result in lower production costs, making it a popular venue for international productions. However, while the location may help in funding, it often does not translate into a film that prominently features or highlights Canadian culture. This raises the question: is it a numbers issue or a story issue?

Service Productions and Cost Savings

The vast majority of films produced in Canada are what we call "service productions." The producer typically gets financial support from American producers, hires American stars and key cast members, while local Canadian personnel are used in the supporting roles. This model leverages the cost savings derived from the tax credits and relaxed union stipulations in Canada, thereby attracting larger budgets and more star power for American projects. Consequently, while Canadian locations are utilized, the films are often produced for the American market, rather than celebrating indigenous culture.

The Quebecois Exception and the Hollywood Route

It is important to note that the situation is different for Quebec. Quebec's film industry benefits from a strong cultural support system, and many films produced there feature Quebecois culture. However, the majority of English-language Canadian films produced are typically for American audiences. Due to the high likelihood of American viewers not being interested in Canadian-specific content, filmmakers often focus on stories that resonate with a broader, international audience.

The Story Issue

The core issue often lies in the storytelling itself. When an American production is filmed in Canada, the narrative is usually framed through an American lens. This means that the language, terminology, and cultural references are consistent with American society. The locations in Canada, while diverse and visually stunning, serve more as a backdrop rather than a central cultural element. For instance, the same rock quarry may be used to depict an alien world in various films, making it difficult to distinguish the location as specifically Canadian unless the filmmakers intentionally do so.

The American Marketing Focus

Moreover, films are primarily intended for the American market, where the majority of viewers have no interest in films set in a far-off, unfamiliar place, unless it is a local production that they can relate to. The primary goal of these productions is to reach a broad audience, rather than to explore or highlight the unique aspects of Canadian culture. Consequently, any reference to Canadian culture is often minimized or left to the discretion of the filmmakers themselves.

Conclusion

The complex interplay between filmmaking logistics, production economics, and cultural representation is evident in the phenomenon of films and TV series being filmed in Canada but not widely showcasing Canadian culture. While Canada’s rich landscapes and cost savings make it an attractive filming location for international productions, the emphasis on reaching a broad American audience often results in a lack of cultural specificity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both industry professionals and film enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate relationships between film locations, storytelling, and cultural representation.