The City of Cambridge welcomes film productions large and small! We have many great filming locations for you to discover and explore. All filming in Cambridge must meet the regulations of our Special Event Policy and the Regional Film By-law. This ensures the safety and consideration of our residents, businesses and motorists.

The City of Cambridge is registered with Ontario Creates (formerly, the Ontario Media Development Corporation or OMDC), which offers promotional resources and other services to help production companies select Ontario sites for their film projects.  If you don't find what you're looking for in their digital library site, feel free to contact our office to discuss your needs.  Our knowledgeable staff are aware of the numerous assets in Cambridge, just waiting for the opportunity to be discovered!

FAQs

Have you ever wondered how your property could be considered for filming, or do you have concerns with film crews in your neighbourhood?  We've attempted to capture the most common questions to our office here!

Will international cast/crews be travelling to Ontario?
International travel is restricted, but certain travelers from the US can enter under the Immigration Mobility Program and get a permit at their point of entry to Ontario from international locations. Individuals who are able to enter Ontario must quarantine for 14 days and be prepared to provide evidence of a quarantine plan to border officials. Toronto Pearson airport is one of four airports country-wide that is accepting passenger flights from international locations. Health Canada offers helpful information about travel restrictions.

Travellers should be advised that as of March 31, 2020, anyone arriving in Canada by any mode (air, land or marine) must provide their contact information to a border services officer when seeking entry. This information is collected on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada to support their compliance and enforcement of the 14-day quarantine or isolation requirement outlined in the Order in Council 2020-0260. Mandatory quarantine applies to travellers without symptoms of COVID-19. Quarantine instructions can be found on Health Canada’s Awareness Resources site.

For more information regarding film industry professionals working in Ontario, please visit the provincial film commission website at www.onreadytoroll.ca. 
 In light of COVID-19, are film crews allowed to be working?
Stage 2 of the province's Framework for Reopening Ontario identified that Film and Television Industry activities are permitted to resume, as long as physical distancing is maintained between all individuals on set whenever possible and is taken into consideration when organizing the layout of the set.
 Why are film crews exempt from the gathering limits?
Much like a large industrial employer, your favourite restaurant or a construction site, a film location is considered a workplace and not a social gathering, meaning they are exempt from the gathering limitations.

 What is being done to keep our community safe?
Extensive health and safety guidelines have been developed and endorsed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to ensure not only our community remains safe, but industry professionals remain healthy.  This sector ceased all activity during the early stages of this pandemic, and cast/crews are eager to return to set as safely as possible.  The provincial film commission has also developed a resource at www.onreadytoroll.ca, with information for industry professionals and communities alike to assist in navigating the new landscape.
 How can I get film companies to consider my property?

The provincial film commission (Ontario Creates) maintains an online resource of locations across Ontario.  This digital library is used in a number of ways: to attract foreign production to Ontario, to promote the unique views and vistas found in communities (including private assets like buildings and land), but most importantly it is a location manager’s first stop when breaking down a script and looking for locations.  By including your property on the site, it allows you the ability not only to attract film projects to your property, but to assist our office in attracting projects to our Cambridge community.  Please visit their website for more information regarding the Ontario Creates digital library.
 How do I stay up to date on what is filming locally?
Subscribe to film notifications through our website to ensure you are aware of all projects that are filming locally and how they may impact travel around the city.
 Who should I contact if I have concerns with a film project?
If you are concerned about work being undertaken by a film crew in your neighbourhood, please contact our Economic Development staff at invest@cambridge.ca or by telephone at (519) 740-4685.  Our staff can confirm whether we are aware of and have approved a project for filming, and can support you if you have questions and concerns.
 How can our community support this industry as they return to work?
  • Celebrate!  Share information regarding upcoming projects on social media using #cbridge and #film, the more residents and businesses that know a project is occurring, the more smoothly a project will go.
  • Please give crews their space. Physical distancing is necessary for all of us at the moment and as noted above, film locations are workplaces. Outdoor location filming is some of the safest activity for this industry at the moment and we all need to do our part to ensure we all remain healthy.
  • Contact Economic Development with any concerns. Our staff cannot address problems if we are unaware they exist.  We want to hear from you to ensure that the film industry has a successful return. Contact our staff at invest@cambridge.ca or (519) 740-4685.
  • Be patient. We are all navigating a new normal for this industry, please help us by reporting issues and concerns, and giving us time to try new processes to solve issues as they arise.

Film permits

All projects, regardless of size or the property class where you are filming, must complete a Production Information Sheet.  This form allows our staff to ensure the appropriate parties are aware of your project and there are no conflicts with upcoming festivals, events or roadwork.  If your project will affect city streets, parking or other municipal assets, you will need to apply for a film permit before you can start your film production in Cambridge. Apply for your permit at least 20 business days before you plan to start filming. If your project involves a road closure or hazardous activities, such as gunfire, vehicle stunts or extreme special effects, a longer approval period may be necessary.

Have shorter filming timeline? Contact our office to discuss your proposal and we'll do our best to accommodate your project.

The City of Cambridge Economic Development Division helps you throughout the application process. You need to have a project outline available for review, including proposed number of filming days, potential road closure requests, parking needs, and a project timeline.

View our Production Companies' Checklist to learn more.

 Learn more about applying for a Film Permit
Interested in making your next film project in the city of Cambridge? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about getting a film permit in Cambridge.
When do I need a film permit?
You need a film permit if you plan to film on municipal property. If you are filming on private property, we encourage you to contact our offices to discuss your project. We can help you identify potential issues, connect you with property owners or suggest film locations you may not have considered.  If a film permit is not required, you will still need to submit a Production Information Sheet to our office to ensure we are aware of the project and can contact you if we receive concerns from the public.
How much does a film permit cost?
Film permit costs vary depending on the requirements of your project.  Contact us for more information about the cost of your permit.
Are there any other fees related to filming in Cambridge?

Depending on your film project, you may also need to pay for:

  • Parking spaces
  • Police officers for traffic control
  • Special rental fees for venues
  • Explosives experts when using pyrotechnics
Do I need to fill out any forms?
If you're considering filming in Cambridge, contact our office so we can help you determine any necessary paperwork and guide you through the film permit application process.
Do I need to inform the community where I am planning to film?
Yes, knowing about local projects is important to our success. Learning about these projects helps ensure our Council is aware of the proposal and public safety is maintained. Contact us to let us know about your film project.
Do I need special insurance to film in the city of Cambridge?
Yes, we determine the amount of liability insurance needed when we review your film permit application.
How do I book areas, such as parks and arenas?
The City of Cambridge Filming Coordinator informs the department in charge of special events to book parks or arenas needed for filming.
How do I coordinate road closures?
The City of Cambridge Filming Coordinator informs the Public Works department if your filming project requires any road closures. The Public Works department helps to coordinate these closures.
What other information should I review when planning my filming project?

Gunshots, pyrotechnics, shots of general public, street light modifications, area clean-up are just a few more items to consider when planning a film project in the city of Cambridge. The more information you can provide before we start the film permit application process the better!

#CaptureCambridge crowdsource project!!

We want your input!  In an effort to expand our database of local film assets, we need you to get out and explore our community!  We want to see original photos of our picturesque landscapes, historic streetscapes, alleys, industrial areas and everything in between!  Upload your photos to our #CaptureCambridge story map, discover the hidden nooks within our municipality that would look great on film and help us show the film industry that Cambridge is so much more than just the Main Street Bridge!  Grab your camera and comfy shoes - and get ready to #CaptureCambridge!

Interactive Story Mapping

Have you ever wondered which locations in Cambridge are used for filming?  Take an interactive tour of the film projects that have taken place in Cambridge!  Are you only interested in learning where the critically acclaimed Handmaid's Tale has filmed locally?  We have a map for that too!

All Film Projects

The Handmaid's Tale

Do you want to know more than just where something has filmed? Are you looking to discover the unique history of the locations that were used to build the fictional backdrops?  Use our Handmaid's Tale Walking Tour to learn about Cambridge's rich history and go beyond Gilead.

Previous projects

 Previous productions filmed in Cambridge include:

  • The Queen's Gambit
  • The Hardy Boys
  • The Good Witch
  • The October Faction
  • V-Wars
  • The Handmaid's Tale (Winner of 2 Golden Globes and 15 Emmy Awards, including the first ever Outstanding Drama Series win for a streaming service original series)
  • American Gods (Nominated for both Emmy and Critics' Choice Awards)
  • Designated Survivor
  • Flatliners
  • Terrific Trucks Save Christmas (Nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award)
  • 11/22/63 (Stephen King Miniseries)
  • Murdoch Mysteries

Picture of film crew in the market building parking lot

Looking for Updates?

Be sure to subscribe to News and Public Notices to stay on top of what's filming locally and how it may affect your travel around the city!