In the shadow of Mount Royal, Montreal’s once-thriving film and television industry is experiencing an unprecedented downturn, leaving seasoned professionals like 45-year-old film editor Marc Leblanc scrambling for financial stability. The father of two, who has built a 20-year career editing documentaries and television series, now finds himself facing an alarming reality: his income has plummeted by nearly 60% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“I’ve never seen it this bad,” Leblanc told CO24 during an interview in his modest home studio in Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood. “Projects that would have been greenlit without question three years ago are now being shelved indefinitely. My regular clients are simply not calling anymore.”
The crisis reflects broader structural changes in Canada’s entertainment sector, where streaming services have transformed production economics while simultaneously provincial tax credits have become less competitive compared to other Canadian provinces. According to data from the Quebec Film and Television Council, production volume in Montreal decreased by approximately 35% in the past year alone, representing hundreds of millions in lost economic activity.
Industry analysts point to multiple factors creating this perfect storm. “We’re seeing the confluence of post-pandemic budget corrections, labor disputes in Hollywood that delayed numerous productions, and Quebec’s tax incentive structure becoming less attractive compared to Ontario and British Columbia,” explains Elise Tremblay, entertainment industry economist at Université de Montréal.
For Leblanc, the financial implications are dire. His monthly income has dropped to approximately $3,200, barely covering his $1,800 mortgage, $450 car payment, and $1,200 in general living expenses for his family. His emergency savings, once robust at $35,000, has dwindled to just $8,000 after months of drawing on reserves to make ends meet.
Financial advisors consulted by CO24 suggest Leblanc’s situation requires immediate action. “The first priority should be examining where expenses can be reduced without compromising critical needs,” recommends Sandra Martinez, a certified financial planner specializing in creative industry professionals. “Consider temporarily pausing RESP contributions, refinancing the mortgage at current rates, and potentially selling the second car to eliminate that payment entirely.”
The Montreal Economic Institute estimates that each film industry job supports approximately 2.5 additional jobs in the local economy, meaning the current downturn affects far more than just direct industry workers. Restaurants, equipment rental companies, costume shops, and various service providers are all reporting significant revenue declines.
Municipal officials have taken notice. Montreal’s economic development office recently announced a task force to address the industry crisis. “We recognize the cultural and economic importance of our film and television sector,” stated Deputy Mayor Sophie Masson. “We’re exploring additional incentives and marketing initiatives to bring productions back to our city.”
For workers like Leblanc, however, immediate solutions are needed. Industry groups are advocating for enhanced provincial tax credits and production incentives to match competing jurisdictions. “When producers can save 15% by filming in Toronto instead of Montreal, the decision becomes painfully simple from a business perspective,” notes Jean-Philippe Bernier, president of the Quebec Association of Film Technicians.
In the meantime, Leblanc is pursuing multiple survival strategies. He’s expanded his search to include corporate video work, exploring remote editing opportunities with production companies across North America, and considering teaching part-time at local film schools. “I’ve spent decades building my skills in this industry,” he says. “Starting over at 45 feels impossible, but adaptation is necessary.”
As Montreal’s entertainment sector grapples with these challenging realities, the question emerges: can Quebec reclaim its position as a premier film production destination, or are we witnessing a permanent structural shift that will forever alter the landscape for thousands of creative professionals who call this province home?
