Cambridge aims to become filming hub for Canadian productions

Cambridge is no stranger to a film crew or two taking up some space in one of the downtown cores.

The city is looking to capitalize on a record setting year and make a push to become one of the most recognizable production hubs in the country. 

“Filming has grown in a absolutely unprecedented way,” said Matthew Walker, film liaison with the city. “We set the record again for most days filmed in the city with 75 days.”

Walker has only been in the role of film liaison since Aug. 2022, but has already seen the growth in the number of productions reaching out to the city to film here. 

With Cambridge being close to other major metropolitan areas like Toronto and Hamilton, the small city vibe that is found in the city can be very appealing to productions looking to have a blend of small town and big bustling city. 

The filming isn't only good for generating revenue for the city, it also adds a sense of community pride and recognition. 

“It's just such a strong community building tool. when residents see landmarks they pass everyday on the screen it instills a sense of pride,” he said. “It is also just a great way to get Cambridge on the map on the big screen and on the small screen.”

Whether it be a tv show or a movie, seeing the city through the eyes of a lens can give members of the community a completely different perspective and view of their town. It's like watching something from an alternate reality, added Walker.  

Many internationally recognized shows have been filmed in Cambridge that highlight some of the city's best features; most notably the Handmaid's Tale, Queen's Gambit and Murdoch Mysteries. 

The Handmaid's Tale is one of the shows that put Cambridge on the map for filming locations back in 2015, and has seen the cast and crew return nearly every year to continue filming. 

This expanding of the filming industry here in Cambridge is exactly what the city wants to see and continue to cultivate. Walker thinks Cambridge could be and is on the right track to becoming one of the premier shooting locations in Ontario and potentially the country. 

“We're always looking for the next big production and a really big push for us is to become a hub for the film industry here in Ontario and Canada overall,” he added. 

Back in 2021, a temporary studio was set up in Preston to film Food Network Grilling competition show, Fire Masters. Around that time, then Cambridge mayor Kathryn McGarry talked about setting up a permanent film studio in the city to attract more productions. 

Walker said the city would welcome any studio that wanted to create a space for tv shows to film on a regular basis, but he can't confirm whether or not anything is currently in the works. 

“We are just so grateful to the residents that come out and enjoy watching the filming take place and are very respectful of the filming process. The community is what really make this whole thing possible,” he said. 

The city currently has a few applications in for filming this summer, but cannot disclose any details as the productions want to keep some sort of anonymity.