London's Film & TV History

From local quiz shows to Apple TV+ sets, London’s film scene has grown into a vibrant production hotspot.

London’s Rise as the Reel Deal!

London, Ontario’s film and TV scene has steadily grown—from local quiz shows and documentaries to high-profile dramas and feature films. With established infrastructure (FilmLondon), institutional support, and diverse urban/rural visuals, it's becoming a top choice for mid‑size productions. Explore the chronology in the timeline below.

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1953: CFPL-TV

CFPL-TV (now CTV 2 London) becomes the first private TV station in Canada to broadcast in colour.

1960–1971: Take Your Choice

A popular local quiz show on CFPL-TV featuring high school students, shot entirely in London.

1970: The Hart of London

Experimental 79‑minute film by Jack Chambers, featuring footage of London’s cityscape and nature. Widely regarded as a landmark avant-garde work.

1998: Chris Doty

Local historian and filmmaker, begins producing award-winning documentaries about Southwestern Ontario.

2005: Codebreakers

ESPN TV Movie uses Western University to portray West Point in this historical drama.

2016: Launch of the Forest City Film Festival

Showcasing films with connections to Southwestern Ontario. Grows rapidly to become a significant regional festival.

2021: Creation of Film London

Created by the LEDC (London Economic Development Corporation) to attract and support screen productions.

2021: Open Your Eyes

Indie thriller by Matchbox Pictures, shot primarily downtown. Now available on Apple TV, iTunes, and Google Play.

2021: Netflix’s Locke & Key

Filming reported near Wortley and Port Stanley, with London featuring as stand‑ins for various exteriors.

2021: The Amazing Race Canada

The S8.E6 of the popular Canadian reality gameshow filmed a full leg in London, featuring downtown, the Thames River, and Western campus.

2024: Turn It Up!

Indie feature from Ontario Screen Creators Conference winners. Shot entirely in London; wrap announced June 2024.

2023: Here for Blood

Horror-comedy shot in London (also in Strathroy & Grand Bend), reviewed on reddit as “Evil Dead meets wrestling”.

2023: The Changeling

Downtown Richmond Street was transformed into 1970s New York for this horror/fantasy series. Full street-block shoot in Aug 2022. Streaming on Apple TV+

2024: You Gotta Believe

Biopic feature starring Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Sarah Gadon. Filmed at Labatt Memorial Park last summer; trailer dropped June 2024.

Lights, Camera, London!

London in Action

From indie favourites to Netflix originals, London has played host to productions streamed around the world.

Filming Events

Film History

Big Titles, Local Takes ...

Some of the Productions Filmed Here!

From drama to reality TV, indie films to internationally distributed series — London has proven to be a versatile, production-friendly city trusted by some of the best.