The largest television production ever to come to Prince Edward Island will begin this summer.
The province is investing $5 million, in the form of a rebate, that will see Canadian author Carley Fortune’s bestselling romance novel This Summer Will Be Different adapted into a 10-episode series that will be filmed in P.E.I. as well as Toronto.
During the announcement Wednesday in Victoria, Netflix Canada director of production management Robin Neinstein said that when Netflix decided to move forward with the project, there was no doubt filming had to take place on the Island.
“P.E.I. isn’t just a backdrop in the book — it’s a living, breathing character,” Neinstein said.
“There is simply no substitute for this special place. And we couldn’t be more thrilled to be filming here this summer.”
The filming will require 75 positions such as production assistants, painters and caterers.
Film P.E.I. executive director Rob Riselli told CBC News that the production will “showcase the Island in all its glory” and could make the province more appealing for future productions.
“It puts us on the map,” he said. “It’s not just about the productions, it’s also about the local economy and how they benefit from these things.”
Premier Rob Lantz called the announcement “great news for Prince Edward Island” and its arts and culture sector.
“This is a great economic development opportunity for Prince Edward Island, but also an opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island to the world,” he said.
“It’s great for those of us who want the world to know everything that’s wonderful about Prince Edward Island … and what’s really exciting is that this is a story about Prince Edward Island set in Prince Edward Island, and now it’s going to be filmed in Prince Edward Island.”
Jenn Redmond, P.E.I.’s minister of economic development, described This Summer Will Be Different filming in the province as an investment in the arts and culture industry of the province.
“It certainly puts P.E.I. on an additional world stage,” she said.
“We certainly play there now, but this will really levitate where we are in the film industry and I’m so excited that we’re able to partner with Netflix.”
In May, the Opposition raised concerns during question period about whether the production would happen. Liberal MLA Hal Perry accused the Progressive Conservative government of creating uncertainty on a project that could have major economic returns for the province.
Lantz on Wednesday said there is “no doubt” the production will be moving forward.
“I never had any doubt that we’d enter into this partnership,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get home and start reading the book myself.”
When Netflix’s hundreds of millions of users will get to see P.E.I. on display is not yet known.
