Netflix has decided to lay roots in Canada's largest city.
Mayor John Tory announced the streaming giant would be opening a new Canadian office in Toronto on Tuesday, after Netflix officials delivered the news during a virtual meeting earlier that day.
"This has been a tough year for Toronto and all cities, all businesses, and all residents but today's news is one more example of our determination to help sectors get through the pandemic, to protect and grow jobs in our city, and to make sure we come back stronger than ever," said Tory.
According to The Star, Netflix was considering Toronto and Vancouver for its new corporate office.
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Tory said the City has been working hard to make sure Netflix's new Canadian office would be in Toronto.
"We put together a bid book in days to make the case for Netflix to locate here and engage with our creative industry. Our pitch was clear – Toronto is a film friendly city which welcomes and celebrates the screen industry, the quality and diversity of our talent pool is second to none, and we have a robust and ever expanding production and post-production industry," said Tory.
Toronto is already the home of one of Netflix's two Canadian Production Hubs, where Toronto's talented crews have been essential to the success of international productions such as Jupiter's Legacy, The Umbrella Academy, and The Queen's Gambit. Netflix has contributed substantially to the development of Toronto's infrastructure and workforce.
With the new office in Toronto, Netflix will expand its commitment to working with Canadian talent. Building on the success of uniquely Canadian shows such as Schitt’s Creek, Blown Away, and Anne with an E, Netflix will work with Canadian creators to bring stories from Canada to the world.
“As we grow our business and presence all across Canada, we're excited that Toronto will be our first local office. We’re looking forward to opening our doors and building on the great work we’ve started with our creative partners to bring more Canadian artists and stories to the world,” said Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer, Netflix.
Netflix and the City have a shared commitment to supporting the growth and diversification of the sector, working with communities to support pathways to opportunities. As the home of mega-stars and mega-stages, with so much more talent to be discovered, the City welcomes Netflix's enhanced presence and partnership in original content production.
In 2019, the film, television and digital media sector contributed $2.2 billion to Toronto's economy and employed more than 30,000 people. Though, in the wake of the pandemic, the film and television industry adapted to COVID regulations, with robust health and safety guidelines, and will be a driver of ongoing economic recovery in 2021 and beyond.
While an office address has yet to be announced, Netflix plans to open an interim office in the city this summer until it finds a permanent location.
