DAN CEARNS The Standard
SCUGOG: Scugog councillors received an update regarding the impact of the use of the Old Mill for filming season three of American Gods at a meeting on Monday, November 18th.
At the meeting, council voted in favour of directing compensation funds, in the amount of $25,000, the township received from the production company for use of the Old Mill to their facilities and building reserve. “In September, the Township of Scugog entered into film permit and location agreements with Sister Rising and Third Bedford Productions to film season three of American Gods. The agreement allowed for use of the Old Mill for filming activities one to three days at a time from September 2019 to March 2020,” read a report from Township Communications manager Lori Bowers. “Film activities include road closure or road occupancy permits, use of Parking Lot 8, set design and dressing along Water Street and Queen Street. Additional agreements created with the Port Perry Fair Board, Port Perry Marina, local BIA and businesses for compensation for impacts from film or use of particular locations.” The filming also has a financial effect for businesses and organizations in Port Perry. “In addition, approximately $40,000 has been paid and will be paid directly to local film locations for compensation each time they come to film,” Ms. Bowers’ report noted. In an email to The Standard, Ms. Bowers provided more clarity about those funds “paid directly to the businesses.” “The $40,000 are the fees of the individual location agreements paid per visit,” she said. “The fees are decided between the business and the film production company and is dependent on direct impacts such as use of a location, window dressing, etcetera. The BIA also receives $500 per filming day for compensation due to road closures and set dressing. The Fair Board will receive $500 per film day each time they film to park large truck and trailers on the grounds.” Regarding the added value for the business community of having this production company come to Scugog to film this show, Ms. Bowers stated in the report there is “an economic value that cannot be quantified for things such as production supplies, film crew shopping, buying meals, coffee and gas.” “As well, there is an additional benefit for tourism for Port Perry to be associated as Lakeside for season three of this popular production,” she added. Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew called this a “good news story.”