Toronto is a city that has been plucked straight out of a movie. Its streets are both recognizable and versatile, allowing filmmakers to shoot not only local stories, but also those set in New York or even Berlin. This feature of the city has long been actively exploited by the Canadian media industry. Toronto attracts both independent podcasters and major film studios. Recent years have been a real triumph for Toronto as a media industry hero, even if it doesn't always go by its name.
What makes Toronto the perfect backdrop? Everything. It's the rhythm of the city streets, the public transportation system, and, of course, the architecture of the metropolis. The TV series Suits was partially filmed here, although the plot is set in New York. In reality, however, the streets of Toronto's business district are shown on screen.
The city can also be recognized in projects such as The Chronicles of Riddick, Shaun of the Dead, and Police Academy, and in some scenes from Pacific Rim, you can see views of Lake Ontario.
Naturally, many Canadian television shows and talk shows originated in Toronto, including the iconic comedy show "This Hour Has 22 Minutes." This project is still running today and addresses current urban issues. Toronto is also home to MuchMusic, the show that launched the careers of many Canadian artists. Some of them, such as Drake, also actively use images of their hometown in their work. This includes not only music videos but also album artwork. Toronto is an integral part of his musical identity.
But the image of the city in the media is not only shaped by music and TV shows. It is home to the country's most popular radio stations, from 680 News to CBC Radio One. This is where podcasts are born, often reaching national audiences, such as the political podcasts “Canadaland” and “The Secret Life of Canada,” which present the country's history through unusual stories. These are excellent choices for those who want to learn little-known facts or urban legends.
Television game shows should not be forgotten either. One example is “The Price Is Right,” a legendary American program that was adapted for Canadian audiences. Naturally, this show couldn't do without a game like Plinko. It has simple mechanics: a token rolls down through obstacles and eventually lands in a random sector. Despite being as simple as possible, the game has become popular. Interestingly, the game is easily recognizable by its characteristic clicking sound.
Plinko is a game that has also been given a digital life and is quite common on online entertainment and gambling sites. However, it is more popular in other countries, such as India, where the gambling industry is thriving. There are even special information sites with reviews and selections of Plinko sites. In Canada, with its more or less conservative population, the gambling version of Plinko has not caught on.
So, Toronto can be safely called a media platform, as the city is used not only as a film set but also as a generator of ideas and meanings. World film premieres and music festivals are held here, and popular games are developed. In 2019, Toronto hosted the global PodSummit conference, which brought together hundreds of podcast creators from Canada and the US. The sensational investigation into Facebook's work also originated in Toronto — the one that was later made into a documentary.
The city is capable of giving even local projects a national and international voice. Independent studios produce Netflix and Amazon series, and small media outlets are becoming digital platforms.
Toronto is not just a city that appears on screen — it is, in essence, the screen itself. Its well-established media ecosystem makes it a full-fledged player in the international market. In the media landscape of the city, the past and the present coexist in harmony.
