The SIM Group, a Canadian supplier of technology to the film and television industry, is opening a new location in Northern Ontario.
Located at the Muskoka North Film Studios in Parry Sound, Ontario, the new office will feature products and services from each of the SIM Group’s operating units: SIM Digital, a supplier of cameras and other production gear; PS Production Services, a supplier of lighting, grip, generator and specialty products; and Bling Digital, a specialist in postproduction technology and services. The office will thus serve as a one-stop shop for film and television productions in Northern Ontario and throughout the region.
The Muskoka North Film Studios features an 8,000-square-foot studio and is one of the best-equipped studios in the region. The SIM Group will provide a variety of services to the facility, including support for its grid and green screen set up.
“We are thrilled to have SIM Group at Muskoka North Film Studios,” said Muskoka North Film Studios president Wendy Morrow. “Having the grid and green screen set up will encourage more productions to maximize production value by filming in our ideal soundstage. Having easy access to a package truck and generators, along with locally trained technicians, will ease productions’ requirements for film supplies in Parry Sound and across Northern Ontario.”
Parry Sound and other northern production centers have recently experienced a spike in production activity due to enticing grants from The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, which supports the local film and television industry. SIM Group’s SIM Digital and PS Production Services units have been working with local production crews in Northern Ontario for more than five years encompassing such film and television productions as Kids in the Hall, October Gale, The Colony, Oliver Sherman, A Very Larry Christmas, Skating to New York and Midnight Masquerade.
The SIM Group will be hiring Northern Ontario residents for the operation in Parry Sound. The company will also extend its successful internship program to include schools in Northern Ontario.
The SIM Group sees Northern Ontario as a growing center for film and television production and is confident that the service offerings of its new location will attract local producers. “We have been providing equipment and support to the growing Northern Ontario film community for over five years and 15-plus productions,” said Michal Drabot, vice president and general manager of PS Toronto. “It is very exciting to continue this support for our current and future clients. With our total service package, PS/SIM/Bling, and now a partnership with a great studio operation, I see continued growth and success.”
