Film & Creative Industries
haliburtonhighlands
WHY FILM IN THE HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS!
Nestled within the heart of cottage country in Ontario, the Haliburton Highlands presents an unparalleled natural beauty. This serves as a captivating backdrop for filmmakers seeking picturesque and nature settings. With its over 600 lakes and rivers, winding roads that meander through lush forests, quaint camps nestled among towering pines, and lakefront cottage resorts that exude rustic charm, the region offers a plethora of unique locations for cinematic storytelling.
Arts & Culture
The Haliburton Highlands boasts an arts & culture community that can greatly enhance any film production. At the forefront is the renowned Haliburton School of Art and Design, a hub for creative expression and artistic skill development. The Haliburton Folk Society adds a melodic dimension to the area, promoting folk music and creating a lively cultural atmosphere. The Haliburton Art Council can connect you with the local artistic scene and also assist filmmakers by providing access to talent.
Whether it’s seeking local musicians to score a film or utilizing the picturesque landscapes for evocative scenes, the collaborative spirit of Haliburton’s artistic community offers filmmakers a wealth of opportunities to infuse their productions with the region’s distinct cultural flair.
We also are host to the Haliburton International Film Festival, a platform that showcases independent cinema and fosters a cinematic community.
Local Production Companies
By collaborating with local production companies, filmmakers can gain in-depth knowledge of the region & seamlessly integrate the stunning natural landscapes and vibrant arts scene of the Haliburton Highlands into their projects. This collaboration enhances the authenticity and quality of your film, while also supporting the regional economy and adhering to sustainable practices. For more information and to connect with local production companies, please contact our Film Officer, who can facilitate introductions and provide additional support.
An independent video production company specializing in narrative, events, music videos, commercial, and corporate… Learn More
A division of the powersports industry’s most popular producer of broadcast Snowmobile, Side x Side and ATV Television content… Learn More
Everything from web videos and national ad campaigns for major brands to television series airing throughout North America… Learn More
Filming Locations
You will find a variety of locations that span the spectrum of natural beauty from the classic children summer camp to the lakeside resort in the Haliburton Highlands. Picture the region’s numerous rivers and waterfalls, where the cascading water provides a dynamic backdrop for a range of cinematic moments. Winding roads, carved through the landscape, create cinematic sequences perfect for the roadside shots.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Highlands’ outdoor adventures, from hiking trails to water activities, provide thrilling opportunities to infuse excitement into the narrative. The region’s local landmarks, rich in history and character, add depth and authenticity to any storyline. In the Haliburton Highlands, filmmakers discover a cinematic treasure trove, where each location tells a unique and visually compelling story.
Recent Film Productions
Fortescue - (2024)
A quiet reflection on womanhood, psychosis and friendship, our story begins capturing the whimsical and platonic love that exists between two old friends, as they eat, tan and play on the sunny shores of an old worldly summer cottage. When a boyfriend arrives on the scene, for them all to perform an age old fairytale for the neighbouring cottagers, one of the friends descends into a frightening trance, sharing the pains of living shackled to a dated ideal of womanhood.
The film was shot entirely on Fortescue Lake, between Kinmount and Gooderham, starring Kelsey Falconer (Fargo, A Handmaid’s Tale) and Chelsea Preston (Roxie Hart in Stratford’s ‘Chicago’)
Past Film Productions
One week
Camp Rock
Looking for Miracles
Pattern
meatballs
Guidelines & Permits
We encourage you to get in touch with our Film Officer as soon as possible to assist you with the film permitting and guidelines for the Haliburton Highlands.
You must have a film permit to film on public property within the Haliburton Highlands, unless you’re filming current affairs, newscasts, or personal recordings.
You will also need to complete an application if your production requires road occupancy/closures, changes to traffic or the urban landscape, includes excessive noise, special effects, or impacts neighbouring residents or businesses.
Our permit process will take you through the required: Expenses and fees, Insurance and safety measures, Road closures and interruptions. We’ll provide you with an estimate of costs before issuing your permit.
Department of Economic Development & Tourism
Welcome to Haliburton County’s Economic Development and Tourism division! We are here to support you and help in various ways to foster sustainable economic growth, promote tourism, and enhance the overall prosperity of the region. Connect with us today!
SCOTT OVELL
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
(705) 286-1333 x 230
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We respectfully acknowledge that the region currently know as the Haliburton Highlands is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory, and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which are Curve Lake, Rama, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
We acknowledge a shared presence of Indigenous nations throughout the area, and recognize its original, Indigenous inhabitants as the stewards of its lands and waters since time immemorial.