OTTAWA, September 10, 2024 — A new report released today by the Canadian Media Producers Association highlights significant economic benefits generated by the production of just one season of the hit Canadian drama series Sullivan’s Crossing. Production of the show, which took place in Nova Scotia and Ontario, generated $47.55 million in economic activity, contributed $33.83 million to the national GDP, and created 385 full-time equivalent jobs. A summary of the report’s main findings can be viewed here.

Federal and provincial tax credits and incentives used in the making of the show generated a significant return on investment. Each dollar of federal tax credit invested in the show generated $15.44 in economic activity in Nova Scotia and $17.80 in Ontario. Each dollar of provincial government tax credit or incentive invested in the show generated $6.21 in Nova Scotia and $7.49 in Ontario.

Today’s report also shows that production directly benefitted 226 local businesses across Nova Scotia and Ontario. This includes hospitality, supply and construction companies, as well as equipment rental, art and design suppliers and more.

Based on a bestselling novel series, Sullivan’s Crossing revolves around the life of a neurosurgeon, who finds herself amid a scandal that forces her to leave her professional and personal life in the city behind. To reconnect with her roots, she returns to her small-town past in rural Nova Scotia and navigates through a journey of self-discovery, family ties and the power of second chances. Filming of the show took place primarily in Nova Scotia, capturing the scenic sites of Halifax, Beaver Bank, and Hubley from October 2022 to June 2023. Additional filming took place in Ottawa, Ontario.

Economic analysis for the study was carried out by MNP for the CMPA. The full study is available here.

QUOTES

“We’re proud of the positive economic impact that Sullivan’s Crossing has brought to Nova Scotia and Ontario.  Thanks to the investments from provincial and federal governments, the show has created hundreds of jobs and benefitted hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses across both provinces.”

–Mike Volpe, President, Topsail Entertainment, producer of season one of Sullivan’s Crossing

“The Province of Nova Scotia is committed to supporting the film and television sector. We recognize the tremendous economic, cultural and tourism benefit productions like Sullivan’s Crossing bring to our communities. This report affirms what we’ve said all along – the economics of the film and television sector are good business for Nova Scotians, and we look forward to welcoming more productions in the coming years.”

–Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston

“Over the past two years production volume in Nova Scotia has increased from one per cent to three per cent of the Canadian market share, reflecting increased employment for Nova Scotians and significant economic impact in the communities across the province. Screen Nova Scotia is proud to work with our Premier Tim Houston and his government who recognize the economic and cultural strength of our industry. Over the past four years, they have implemented smart and impactful changes to the ecosystem, and today we’re celebrating the resulting momentum.”

–Laura Mackenzie, Executive Director, Screen Nova Scotia

“The success of Nova Scotia’s production sector is an inspiration for the entire country, and demonstrates the potential that can be unleashed when a supportive government and talented industry work together.”

–Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA

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ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. For more than 75 years, the CMPA has worked to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca

For more information:

Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa