Why Canadian Movies and Shows Are Frequently Set in the United States

When it comes to the setting of Canadian movies and shows, there is a common misconception that they must be filmed in the United States. However, this is not always the case. While some Canadian productions do choose to set their stories in the US for various reasons, this is not a strict requirement. This article delves into the factors that contribute to this phenomenon and examines why it happens.

Factors Influencing the Setting of a Story

The setting of a story is ultimately determined by the writers and production teams. They decide on the backdrop that best suits the narrative, the characters, and the overall mood of the production. However, the question of where to film these stories is often influenced by a variety of practical considerations.

Practical Considerations in Filming

When it comes to filming, production teams often choose locations that can plausibly represent the story’s setting. For instance, filming a New York City scene in Cleveland, Ohio is not only cheaper but also eliminates the logistical nightmare of moving a crew and equipment to the actual city. In reality, several scenes from the 2012 The Avengers were filmed in Cleveland. Just a short 9-block distance away, the filmmakers were able to capture scenes that convincingly represented both New York City and Stuttgart, Germany.

The same logic applies to Canadian productions. If a Canadian show is about a bar in Texas or training Marines in South Carolina, it's not impossible for these scenes to be filmed in Canada with some creative transformation. However, it is often more practical and cost-effective to use locations that are internationally recognized but can be convincingly adapted.

Cost and Practicality

The cost of production plays a significant role in where a show is filmed. Filming in Canada can be significantly cheaper than shooting in the United States. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are known for their strong infrastructure and support for film and television production. These locations can provide the necessary human resources, equipment, and cooperation that can make the production run smoothly. Additionally, the financial incentives offered by the Canadian government for filming there further reduce the overall cost.

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Scenes from The Avengers (2012) (Wikipedia) were filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. This choice was made to save on costs and facilitate the seamless transformation of the locations to fit the narrative of the movie. The city managers were highly cooperative, and the filming process was able to blend the New York City scenes with Stuttgart scenes within a short distance of each other, illustrating the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of using alternative locations.

Designated Survivor TV series (2016-2021) is another example of American content that was filmed in Canada. This show, set in Washington, D.C., had significant portions filmed in Vancouver. The choice of Vancouver not only saved on production costs but also illustrated how international locations can be transformed to fit the narrative.

Another example is the popular Canadian TV series, Due North (1995-2007). Despite being set in Montreal, many of its episodes were filmed in Toronto. The production team made the necessary adjustments to transform the city to fit the story's setting, demonstrating how flexibility and cooperation can make international filming locations viable options.

The Case of Kiefer Sutherland: A Canadian in the White House

Many actors and celebrities often appear in media that are not necessarily from their home countries. Kiefer Sutherland, who plays the role of the U.S. president in Designated Survivor, is a prime example of a Canadian actor who plays a prominent American role. Sutherland is a dual citizen, born in the UK but a long-time resident of Canada. This is just one instance where actors from one country can be seen portraying roles in the opposite country, showcasing the fluidity of such productions.

Other notable Canadian actors who have made significant contributions to American media include

actors like Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Mike Myers, Will Arnett, Sandra Oh, and Nathan Fillion. While these individuals are well-known for their American roles and characters, they are all Canadian. Their Canadian origin adds an interesting layer to the narratives they participate in, often leaving audiences to wonder about the origins behind the characters they love.

In conclusion, the setting of a story is not dictated by nationality but by several practical and artistic considerations. While some Canadian productions are set in the United States, this is often influenced by cost, accessibility, and the ability to recreate the necessary settings. The flexibility and creativity of both the production teams and the locations involved ensure that stories can be told in a way that is both plausible and cost-effective.