Film industry in Montreal looking up
Three big-budget movies are giving the Montreal film industry a much-needed boost.
For the past 18 months a union dispute had deterred American producers from heading north, but now an agreement has been reached and things are looking up.
The latest big-budget movie in the works is a flick called
I'm Not There.
It tells the life story of American folk singer Bob Dylan and stars Richard Gere, Cate Blanchett and Heath Ledger.
It's estimated that between 200 and 400 Montrealers will be employed by the production.
The movie has a $20-million budget, but studio manager Michel Trudel figures it will ultimately inject $50 million into Montreal's economy.
Trudel, the co-owner of Mel's Cité du Cinema in Montreal, is breathing a sigh of relief.
"Thank god…because it was dead in Montreal for the film industry. So presently, it seems to be all right," said Michel Trudel Friday.
The publicist for the Bob Dylan movie was not available for an interview, but in an e-mail, Jeff Hill says Montreal is a good location that suits their budget.
Two other big films,
Journey to the Centre of the Earth and
The Spiderwick Chronicles, are also being shot in Montreal.
Trudel says the revival of the film industry is good for everyone.
"The hotel, the restaurant, the lumber shop, everybody, everybody [benefits from] those productions."
The Life Story Of Bob Dylan, Montreal Film Industry.
