If North Bay’s burgeoning film industry continues to flourish for the foreseeable future, many will think back to the summer of 2017 as a turning point.
Representatives of the show Carter are thanking the City of North Bay, its citizens, and local businesses for their partnerships with Collingwood TV Production. The 14-week shooting schedule for the first season of the comedic detective procedural has wrapped and Carter will air on Bravo next spring. The company is deeming their experience in North Bay as a “fantastic success,” and say they hope to return to film season two next summer.
The ambassadorship of the Carter cast and crew, and especially lead Jerry O’Connell, has paved the way in North Bay for more filming opportunities. The goodwill and cooperation between locals and film production companies already have a solid foundation, but O’Connell’s “aw shucks” charm and enthusiastic participation in North Bay’s daily life won over any doubters.
Whether appearing as a guest wrestling referee, singing karaoke, promoting local eateries and bars, singing the praises of the region’s natural beauty, or receiving the key to the city, O’Connell was seemingly everywhere this past summer, always with a smile on his face and time for a selfie.
O’Connell appeals to us because he proved to be as much like one of us as a Hollywood star can be. We get a kick out of how much he legitimately enjoys being here, and little could have been better for civic pride. In a time of shifting demographics, the film industry has brought hope, especially to tech-savvy young adults who have been leaving the area for other opportunities.
In a letter to North Bay property owners and merchants following completion of the shooting schedule, location managers with the production write: “Film is an invaluable industry, providing experience and employment opportunities,” as well as ancillary economic benefits, such as hotel, restaurants, catering, and rental services.
“North Bay is starting to become an important location for filmmakers, actors and producers from around the world. They are finding the people of North Bay warm, generous, friendly and amazingly helpful,” they continue.
It is clear that the filming of Carter and other productions have amplified the city’s growing niche in the entertainment industry, and due to the graciousness of its star, the summer of 2017 will fondly be remembered by many as the “Summer of Jerry.”
