Filming

With a focus on creative industries, Newmarket has become an in-demand destination for film and television productions. The Town is the perfect setting for both a quaint small-village (via historic Main Street) and a futuristic big city (seen through the lens of Southlake's iconic arch and walkway over Davis Drive).

"Gilead Information Center" from the filming of "The Handmaid's Tale"

Hollywood movies and Canadian television productions have flocked to Newmarket for its beautiful scenery and reputation as an accommodating and affordable set location. Newmarket's Main Street been widely featured as romantic, small-town America and Newmarket-based Brain Power Studios has filmed numerous holiday themed series. 

The following are just a few of the big and small screen features filmed in Newmarket over the past ten years:

  • The Wedding Planners (2020) Kimberly-Sue Murray, Madeline Leon, Michael Seater
  • Love Alaska (2019) Sara Podemski, Victor Zinck Jr., Lannette Ware, Martin Roach
  • After the Storm (2019) Madeline Leon, Bo Yokely, Carlisle J. Williams, Diana Chrisman
  • Christmas Wedding Planner (2017) Jocelyn Hudon, Stephen Huszar, Kelly Rutherford, Rebecca Dalton
  • Christmas with a Prince (2018) Kaitlyn Leeb, Nick Hounslow, Josh Dean
  • Pony Sitters Club (2017) - Morgan Neundorf, Cailan Laine Punnewaert, Hugh Wilson
  • Full Out (2015) Ana Golja, Jennifer Beals, Sarah Fisher, Asha Bromfield
  • Regression (2015) starring Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson
  • My Dad is Scrooge (2104) Chrisian Laurian Kerr, Brian Cook, Charles Shaughnessy, Bonnie Wright
  • Carrie (2013) starring Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz
  • The Vow (2012) starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams
  • Dream House (2011) starring Daniel Craig and Naomi Watts
  • Repo Men (2010) starring Forest Whitaker and Jude Law
  • Flashpoint (2010) starring Amy Jo Johnson and Hugh Dillon

Apply to film in Newmarket

Filming in Newmarket is regulated under the Town’s Film By-law 2023-19 [PDF/331KB].

This by-law requires that any person wishing to film within Newmarket obtain a film permit through the Town’s Licensing Division. In addition to the requirement to obtain a film permit, this by-law requires that any person participating in a film project comply with a number of regulations.

The logistics of obtaining a film permit and coordinating a film project can appear complicated. Please review the Film Handbook for information for those looking to film in Newmarket, including key aspects to the Town's filming regulations.

Film Handbook: A Guide To Filming In Newmarket [PDF/787KB]

Applications for filming vary based on if your production company in local or not:

You will also need to submit a Notice of Intent Form [PDF/155KB] before filming. How far in advance you must submit the notice depends on the location of your proposed filming:

  • 21 days in Special Film Zone (SFZ): Main Street Business Improvement Area
  • 14 days in General Film Zone (GFZ)

Additional Contact Information

Central York Fire Services

Attn: Fire Prevention Officer
905-895-9222
905-895-1900 (fax)

​York Regional Police

Attn: Paid Duty Coordinator
905-830-0303
905-895-7264 (fax)

Region of York

Attn: Transportation Services Department
1-877-464-9675 ext. 75700
905-895-3047 (fax)
permits@york.ca

Related links