Hollywood Production in Canada Rebounds in 2025 Despite Domestic Decline

Film and television production activity in Canada saw a strong rebound in 2025, driven largely by a resurgence in foreign — particularly American — productions following the disruption caused by the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

According to a new report from the Canadian Media Producers Association, foreign location and service production rose by 9.5 per cent, reaching CAN$5.32 billion. This growth helped offset a decline in domestic film and television production across the country.

Foreign Productions Lead Recovery

The recovery was largely fueled by U.S.-backed television projects, which increased by 12.1 per cent to CAN$3.42 billion. Additional foreign production categories, including TV movies, pilots, and single-episode shoots, surged by more than 50 per cent.

Major global streaming platforms — including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ — continued to dominate production activity, focusing heavily on hubs in Toronto and Vancouver.

High-profile projects filmed in Canada last year included IT: Welcome to Derry, The Last of Us, and major films such as Frankenstein, Tron: Ares, and Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Domestic Production Declines

Despite the foreign production surge, Canadian homegrown film and TV production declined by 2.2 per cent to CAN$3.62 billion. Industry analysts attribute this drop to ongoing market adjustments following the “Peak TV” era and consolidation within the global entertainment sector.

Industry Still Below Peak Levels

Overall production volume in Canada rose 4.6 per cent to CAN$10.17 billion in 2025. However, the figure remains significantly below the record CAN$12.07 billion reached in 2023, before labour strikes in Hollywood forced widespread shutdowns.

U.S. productions accounted for 87 per cent of all foreign projects in Canada last year, totaling 398 productions — slightly down from 425 projects the year prior.

Outlook for Canada’s Screen Industry

While the rebound signals renewed confidence in Canada as a global production hub, industry experts say the sector is entering a more measured growth phase. The slowdown in domestic production and shifting global demand could continue to reshape the industry landscape.

Still, Canada’s competitive tax incentives, skilled workforce, and established infrastructure continue to make it an attractive destination for international studios.

Courtesy: hollywoodreporter