The City of Toronto, in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board and the local screen industry, is launching a new pilot program called xoTO Schools. It will enable enhanced access for location filming at 11 pre-approved TDSB properties and provide opportunities for students to work alongside film and television professionals.

Mayor John Tory made the announcement today with Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth), Chair of the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board, alongside TDSB Director of Education John Malloy, TDSB Chair of the Board Robin Pilkey, TDSB Trustee Jennifer Story (Ward 15, Toronto-Danforth) and Victoria Harding, Associate Executive Director of the Directors Guild of Canada – Ontario.

The xoTO Schools pilot project will run until June 2019.

For more information, read the City of Toronto news release.

Quick Facts:

• Filming at these locations will take place primarily during summer months and on evenings and weekends during the school year;

• At the pre-approved locations, the scouting and permit application processes will be streamlined with designated permit personnel servicing applications. It will also feature a special daily rate card and a 72-hour permit turnaround timeline;

• Co-op placements will be created through the academic year in categories such as makeup, hair, sound, special effects, props, set decoration, costume design, continuity, lighting, grip, construction, paint and transportation.