Sarnia's Director of Economic Development wants to raise the city's profile, and marketing, to encourage filming opportunities.
City council will consider a report from Kelly Provost on Monday, recommending staff prepare a film permit application and guideline, and a fee/deposit schedule.
Mayor Mike Bradley thinks streamlining the process has merit.
"Other communities have taken this approach to try and bring in film crews, documentaries, you name it, and it has worked," said Bradley. "I don't want to see it too restrictive, because we've had lots of major film crews in the past to do documentaries. I point to Bowling for Columbine with Michael Moore's crew, and we've had a major documentary producer here all summer working on a documentary about Sarnia and how it's changing. I don't want to see it become so restrictive that we put costs and regulations in place that aren't necessary."
He said a professional approach in attracting projects makes a lot of sense.
"There's some real opportunity if you think about some of the sites we have, like Chris Hadfield Airport and the harbour," said Bradley. "City assets that could be used for major filming events. Documentary and film makers are often looking outside the community, like to Guelph and up into Huron County and that area. So, here's an opportunity for us to be a bit more organized in the game and a bit more focused."
Bradley believes word will spread after one big production comes.
"I think that we do have a low cost area that has some tremendous assets that would be great for the type of productions that are being considered," said Bradley.
In her report, Provost said similar film policies and permits have helped other municipalities land film projects.
She said the documents should help balance the need to minimize disruption to residents’ lives and potential damage to city assets, with the ability to provide enough flexibility and appeal to the film industry.
If approved, city staff will work with the parks and recreation department, transportation, Sarnia fire and police, Ontario Creates, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, and professionals in the film industry to create the terms.