Province risks losing huge Netflix series filming in P.E.I., Opposition says

The leader of the oppositeness is asking the continuous tense conservativist regime if it's sledding to support a huge Netflix production set on P.E.I.

On March 19, Netflix Canada announced an on-screen adaptation of This Summer Will Be Different, a bestselling romance novel by Canadian author Carley Fortune set in the province, will be filmed in Toronto and on P.E.I.

In question period Wednesday, Liberal MLA Hal Perry touted the potential the 10-episode series could have for Prince Edward Island, accusing the government of creating uncertainty on a project that could have huge economic returns.

"Will you confirm today that this production will have the support and certainty it needs to film on Prince Edward Island as announced?" Perry asked Premier Rob Lantz in the legislature Wednesday.

Lantz responded it's a project his government wants to support and his staff is setting up a meeting with people involved in the show's production, potentially this week. 

Pre-production on the series is already underway.

Club Red Productions, an independent film and television company in P.E.I., has estimated the production could generate $20 million to $30 million in direct economic activity in a single season.

Club Red is asking the government to support This Summer Will Be Different through the province's Film Production Fund.

Perry accused Lantz of hesitating, adding neighbouring provinces like Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and Labrador would "jump at this in a heartbeat."

Jenn Redmond, P.E.I.'s minister of economic development, trade and artificial intelligence, said government does its due diligence and is open to opportunities that help arts and culture, as well as other sectors.

But Perry said Lantz is "risking a major economic opportunity."

"Here's a global Netflix series based on a New York Times bestselling novel that showcases Prince Edward Island to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide," he said.

"Projects like this have a potential to generate enormous tourist interest for P.E.I., but only if the series actually films here on Prince Edward Island as planned."

Redmond responded the benefit that tourism plays is known, but these scenarios require discussion about how government can assist the project.

Perry said he believes the opportunity "is going to slip out of this province's hands very quickly" and that Lantz is "putting P.E.I.'s reputation with the global film industry at risk."

Lantz reiterated that his staff is arranging for a meeting so he can hear a proposal.

"We make no excuses for investing in the economic growth of this province and we'll do it on a case-by-case basis," he said. 

"We'll make those decisions in the best interests of Prince Edward Islanders. And … I look forward to that meeting."

Speaking outside of question period, Redmond said arts and culture are important sectors for the province, so conversations like the Netflix series are ones government want to have.

"Anytime a film industry reaches out to P.E.I., I think it's really important to sit down and take that very seriously," she said.

"I do think that the investment is probably a larger one than we've … been a part of in the past."

Speaking to media, Perry said the production would bring economic benefits to the province through accommodations, travel and food, as well as providing a boost for local employment.

"What they need is the government of Prince Edward Island to commit to supporting this project and I cannot see why this government wouldn't do it when the money is readily available," Perry said. 

"I just think that time is slipping by. The company has already started scouting on Prince Edward Island and promoting Prince Edward Island, and if the government doesn't act soon, they will leave."

Journalist

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