One of the leading post-production companies in Canada is shutting down its Quebec facility, which houses one of the few film development laboratories in North America for professional productions. Patrick Jutras, the president of Montreal’s MELS studio, confirmed this decision to CBC. Jutras mentioned the lack of competitive tax incentives to attract foreign productions to the city and a decrease in investment in local audiovisual production as reasons for the closure of the company’s photochemical lab in the upcoming months.
While MELS itself will remain operational, Jutras disclosed that the studio will be relocating and consolidating specific post-production services to adapt to market demands and maintain profitability. Consequently, the photochemical lab and a projection room will be closed, and the rest of the associated post-production activities will be transferred to a new location.
In his statement to CBC, Jutras acknowledged the sentimental attachment many artists have to these facilities, especially the analog film laboratory, which is unique in Canada. He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to rescue the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in this field.
Digital vs. Film
With the film industry predominantly shifting towards digital production methods, MELS’ photochemical lab has become a rare option for filmmakers working with and developing 16mm and 35mm film for broad distribution. According to Concordia film professor Michael Yaroshevsky, MELS’ facility is one of only three “full-service” development labs in the continent, capable of handling 6,100 meters of film daily, with the other two located in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
This capability has supported the production of various films, including Nicolas Cage’s “Dream Scenario,” Matthew Rankin’s “Universal Language,” Xavier Dolan’s “Mommy,” and numerous Quebec-made films that have gained recognition globally.
MELS photochemical laboratory in Montreal will close its doors, to the dismay of many filmmakers who used this lab for theirs movies. Filmmaker Michael Yaroshevsky started a petition asking to keep the lab open.
Following the closure announcement, Yaroshevsky initiated a petition to preserve the photochemical studio, garnering 2,577 signatures by Friday afternoon. Yaroshevsky stressed that saving the photochemical laboratory is crucial for numerous local filmmakers.
“While digital technology dominates the market, film remains a vibrant medium in Montreal and elsewhere,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining celluloid for students to learn and create cinematic works. He emphasized the need to ensure a rich future for the industry, supporting both digital and traditional film formats.
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