St. Thomas, Ontario is a picturesque town located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is a popular location for filmmakers and has been used as a backdrop for numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. Here are some of the most notable movies that were filmed in St. Thomas, Ontario.
One of the most well-known movies that was filmed in St. Thomas is “Copperhead,” which was released in 2013. This historical drama was based on the story of a family torn apart by the American Civil War. St. Thomas was chosen as the location for the film due to its historical architecture, which perfectly captured the essence of the American Civil War era.
Another movie that was partially filmed in St. Thomas is “The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship,” which was released in 2015. The movie is a romantic comedy starring Enrico Colantoni and Krista Bridges. The town was used as a stand-in for the fictional town of Niagara Falls.
The 1993 movie “Josh and S.A.M” also had some scenes shot in St. Thomas. The movie starred Martha Plimpton and Jacob Tierney, and was about two brothers who embark on a wild cross-country adventure.
Aside from these movies, St. Thomas has also been used as a location for various TV shows such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Being Erica,” “Hemlock Grove,” and “Anne with an E.” Even commercials have been filmed in St. Thomas, such as the Subaru commercial which portrayed a family on a road trip.
The decision to film in St. Thomas is not surprising given its charming small-town vibe and unique features. The town boasts of Victorian-era buildings like the Elgin County Courthouse, the original St. Thomas City Hall (now the Elgin County Administration Building), and the Canada Southern Railway Station. The town’s well-maintained parks and scenic countryside have also proven to be popular among filmmakers.
In conclusion, St. Thomas, Ontario has shown to be an excellent location for filming movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its historical architecture, charming small-town vibe, and scenic countryside has made it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking to showcase these unique features.
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What are some of the most popular movies that have been filmed in St. Thomas, Ontario?
St. Thomas, Ontario, might not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of major movie locations, but it has actually played host to several big-budget productions over the years. One of the most famous movies filmed in St. Thomas is the 2005 drama “The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio,” which starred Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson. The film was shot in various locations around the city, including the Elgin County Courthouse and the Elmdale Tavern.
Another notable movie filmed in St. Thomas is “The Good Witch’s Charm,” a made-for-TV movie that aired on the Hallmark Channel in 2012. The movie, which starred Catherine Bell and Chris Potter, was filmed at various locations throughout St. Thomas, including the St. Thomas Railway Station and the Pinafore Park Rose Garden. It was well received by fans of the beloved “Good Witch” franchise, which has spawned several sequels and a television series.
Finally, fans of horror movies might be interested to know that the 2010 indie film “Survival of the Dead,” which was directed by horror legend George A. Romero, also spent some time filming in St. Thomas. The film is the sixth entry in Romero’s iconic “Dead” series and is set on an island off the coast of Delaware. While most of the filming took place in Ontario, some of the movie’s creek scenes were shot in Pinafore Park in St. Thomas.
How has the filming of movies in St. Thomas impacted the local economy?
The filming of movies in St. Thomas has had a significant impact on the local economy. The island’s tropical climate and picturesque scenery has attracted several movie studios to shoot their films in St. Thomas. This has led to an increase in tourism, as visitors come to see the locations featured in their favorite movies. Many local businesses have also seen an increase in revenue, as the production crew requires food, lodging, transportation, and other services during their stay. Additionally, the filming of movies provides employment opportunities for local residents, with some being hired as extras or crew members.
Furthermore, the increase in movie productions has created a demand for local services and resources. As a result, new businesses have emerged to cater to the needs of the film industry. Local construction companies, for example, have been contracted to build film sets and install filming equipment. This has not only created jobs but also boosted the local economy. Moreover, the publicity generated from the movies filmed in St. Thomas has attracted more tourists to the island, leading to an increase in hotel occupancy rates, and an overall growth in the tourism industry. Therefore, the filming of movies in St. Thomas has a positive impact on the local economy, providing opportunities for local businesses, residents, and visitors.
Are there any recognizable landmarks or locations in St. Thomas that have been featured in movies?
St. Thomas is home to some recognizable landmarks and locations that have been featured in movies. One of the most famous is Magens Bay, a picturesque beach surrounded by lush hills and palm trees. It was the setting for several scenes in the 1953 film “Island in the Sun,” starring Harry Belafonte and Joan Fontaine. The beach was also featured in the 1962 film “Dr. No,” as the location where Ursula Andress emerged from the water in her iconic bikini.
Another notable location is Bluebeard’s Castle, a historic fortress with stunning views of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. The castle was featured in the 1995 film “The Scarlet Letter,” starring Demi Moore and Gary Oldman. It also served as a location for the television series “The Amazing Race.”
In addition to these landmarks, St. Thomas has provided the backdrop for numerous films and television shows over the years. Its picturesque beaches, lush greenery, and historic sites make it a popular filming location for producers looking for exotic and beautiful settings.
What steps does the city of St. Thomas take to attract movie productions to film in the area?
The city of St. Thomas, located in Southwestern Ontario, has taken several steps to attract movie productions to the area. One of the ways the city has done this is by offering a film-friendly environment. This includes providing support to film crews by granting them access to public spaces and city-owned property for filming. St. Thomas is also known for its historic downtown core, which features unique architecture and heritage buildings that are popular among filmmakers. These locations are made available for filming purposes, and the city also provides assistance with permit applications and permissions needed for filming.
Another way the city attracts film productions is by having a dedicated Film Liaison Officer. The Film Liaison Officer is responsible for promoting St. Thomas as a film-friendly city and coordinating with filmmakers. The officer assists productions with scouting locations, connecting them with local resources, and facilitating permits and permissions. Additionally, the city offers a competitive financial incentive program to filmmakers that choose St. Thomas as their filming location. This program provides financial support to eligible productions and offers a rebate on local city fees, including for permits, hotels, and parking. All of these measures are aimed at making St. Thomas an attractive filming destination and attracting more movie productions to the area.
Have any famous actors or actresses ever visited St. Thomas while filming a movie?
St. Thomas, part of the United States Virgin Islands, has long been a popular destination for tourists and travelers seeking stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Over the years, the island has also served as a location for several Hollywood productions, attracting famous actors and actresses to its shores. One of the most notable films to have been shot on the island is the 1962 classic “Dr. No,” the first James Bond movie. Actor Sean Connery, who played the iconic British spy, spent several weeks on the island during filming.
More recently, in 2019, St. Thomas was featured in “Crawl,” a horror movie about a father and daughter fighting for survival during a hurricane. The film starred Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper, and while they were not known to have visited the island during production, their characters certainly faced plenty of challenges amongst the tropical landscape. Many other movies have also been filmed on the nearby island of St. John, including the “The Virgin Islands” in 1958 and “The Shawshank Redemption” in 1994. These films have not only helped to bring attention to the natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands but also provide a boost to the local economy through tourism and job opportunities during production.