Ontario Music Fund creating ‘Snowball Effect’ for artist development at Warner Music Canada

Last week, Toronto-based singer/songwriter Scott Helman released his new music video for “Bungalow”, which was filmed on location in Scugog, Ontario and supported by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC)’s Ontario Music Fund. The video was shot over 2 days and featured a cast and crew of approximately 25 people.

Helman’s debut EP, Augusta, was released earlier this year on Warner Music Canada, and was also supported by the Ontario Music Fund. Through this support, the Ontario Music Fund is helping to launch the career of a new artist, said Warner Music Canada’s Chris Moncada, creating a “snowball effect” which will pay dividends for many years.

“The record and the videos trigger a cycle that sets many layers of employment opportunities into motion,” said Moncada. “The record and videos create the momentum for a tour, which creates a ripple effect. That ability to tour will provide activity for everyone from agents and promoters, to venue operators, sound technicians, bartenders, and parking lot attendants across Ontario. With Scott going on tour throughout the fall and into next year, this cycle is only beginning – it could move the needle for 18 to 24 months going forward”

Helman’s “Bungalow” is the latest video that Warner Music Canada’s artists have created with support from the Ontario Music Fund. Earlier this year, Canadian country artist Brett Kissel shot and filmed videos for “Tough People Do” and “Something You Just Don’t Forget” in Toronto. The songs are featured on Kissel’s 2013 album “Started With A Song”, and are the fourth and fifth videos borne out of the album. The first three videos were filmed in Nashville and Los Angeles, but the creation of the Ontario Music Fund helped make the case to move filming of the latter two videos to Ontario. Both of the videos featured a cast and crew of 15 to 20 people, working approximately 15 hours on each shoot.

The Fund also supported the creation of Mississauga punk rock band Billy Talent’s “Show Me The Way” video, which was filmed in Ontario and required approximately 15 full day crew.

“The Ontario Music Fund helped facilitate these videos, which might have otherwise been shot in a different province or country” said Moncada. “It has a real trickle-down effect that helps support video production jobs in Ontario, creating a day’s work for everyone from the actors and techs, to the caterers and truck drivers, and beyond.”

In addition to the videos, Warner Music Canada has leveraged the Ontario Music Fund to further the careers of Canadian artists such as Measha Brueggergosman.

“With Measha Brueggergosman, the OMF was integral in the creation of her upcoming Christmas album” said Moncada. “She is a Canadian star with worldwide appeal, so we’re really excited to see the reception to this record as we move into the holiday shopping season.”

In addition to videos and domestic recording, Warner Music Canada has leveraged the Ontario Music Fund to further the international careers of Canadian artists such as Kitchener Ontario’s Courage My Love.

“With Courage My Love, the OMF allowed us to invest in expanded marketing and publicity in the U.S. while the band was on the Vans Warped Tour this past summer. This directly contributed to the band having some of the highest merchandise sales on the tour for developing acts,” said Moncada. “On the strength of the Warped Tour response, the band has booked a headlining tour of clubs across America.  After these shows the band will come back to Ontario to work on their next record – again, it’s that snowball effect.”

The examples from Warner Music Canada illustrate that through targeted support, the Ontario Music Fund is driving activity in Ontario studios, production houses, and music companies, as well as increasing opportunities for Canadian artists to build their careers in Ontario, Canada, and internationally. For more information on the Ontario Music Fund, see the overview on the OMDC website.