Lorraine Boily, commissioner, Quebec City Area Film and TV Commission, says two studio project developments are being examined. Quebec City has fabulous, unique locations but a multitude of professional services are also necessary for major film and TV production, she says.

‘Everybody is trying to get more for their money and I understand that very well.’ Boily says it’s essential locals participate in building a film infrastructure in Quebec City. She says the idea of a major soundstage installation has attracted the interest of the Quebec government, and especially Quebec City mayor Jean-Paul L’Allier.

‘I really want to help all the promoters interested in building our infrastructure as much as I can, because we badly need it. We have to consolidate our offer on the international market,’ Boily says.

‘The financing thing is a never-ending story,’ she says, adding program resources have to be justified year-in, year-out and the process becomes time-consuming. ‘It takes a long time to build an international reputation in the international market.’

Boily says she’s lucky to have the financing support of the Quebec City economic development agency (SPEQM). The commission also receives funding from the provincial and federal governments. ‘The people we talk to are the economic people, and it makes a big difference. We are working in a cultural industry but what we’re really doing is economic development,’ she says.

The commission produces a shooting guide and promotional tools, and undertakes international missions.

Recent shoot highlights in the Quebec City region include a brief but memorable visit from Steven Spielberg for Catch Me If You Can (Dreamworks). Spielberg used the historic Place Royale waterfront in Vieux Quebec.

Other shoots included Michael Mackenzie’s The Baroness and the Pig (Media Principia), Levar Burton’s feature Blizzard (Knightscove Entertainment) and the Kim Nguyen feature Le Marais (Productions Thalie) which shot in rural Stoneham and Vieux Quebec.

Boily, who has headed the Quebec City Area commission since 1998, will be present this spring at the Cannes Film Festival and at the Banff Television Festival, June 8-13.

-www.filmquebec.com