PictureNL
What do studios like Disney, Prime and Netflix have in common? They’ve all filmed world-class productions in Newfoundland and Labrador.
From the cliffs and coastal landscapes that brought you Peter Pan and Wendy and Aquaman, to the colourful streets and distinctive architecture featured in television series such as Son of a Critch, Saint-Pierre and Hudson and Rex, there is no denying that Newfoundland and Labrador is a sought-after backdrop for unforgettable storytelling.
And behind each production is PictureNL, helping to bring each story to life.
A billion-dollar industry
Established in 1997 and formally known as the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, PictureNL was created to grow the province’s screen industry by supporting local film and television productions, while also promoting Newfoundland and Labrador as a place for visiting productions to film.
The organization promotes the province as a premier filming destination to producers around the world, responding to incoming production inquiries while helping to connect international studios with local locations, skilled crews, and on-the-ground production support.
When a production is filmed in Newfoundland and Labrador, the impact reaches far beyond the camera lens. Hotels are filled, restaurants buzz, and local workers, from drivers and carpenters to artists and technicians, step into opportunities that may not otherwise exist.
In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, production activity reached an all-time high of $149.5 million, supporting over 2500 full-time employment opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. And since its inception, PictureNL has helped generate more than $1 billion in total production spending, reflecting steady growth in a sector that has proven to be a true economic driver in the province.
A billion-dollar industry - built scene by scene, job by job, story by story.
Supporting local talent
PictureNL also plays a vital role in growing the local industry by supporting Newfoundland and Labrador filmmakers and companies. As the lead agency for film and television production investment in the province, PictureNL delivers five core programs that support both local and visiting producers.
These programs provide funding and support across script development, project packaging, and production financing, helping to strengthen the foundation of the province’s production sector and enabling more projects to move from concept to production.
This support helps reduce barriers for emerging creators and independent producers, giving them the tools and resources they need to build careers and develop stories rooted in Newfoundland and Labrador without having to leave the province to access opportunity or investment.
A lasting impact
But the real story is not only what is filmed here. It’s what remains after the cameras stop rolling.
It is the skills and talent built on set, the local businesses that grow through increased demand, and the broader economic activity that strengthens communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. Opportunities are being created for people to stay, build careers, and contribute to a more diverse and resilient economy rooted in a thriving creative industry at home.
ACOA is proud to be a long-standing supporter of PictureNL and the important role it plays strengthening the tv and film production industry across the province. Through its work, PictureNL is helping position Newfoundland and Labrador as more than a filming location, building a sustainable film industry that attracts global productions while supporting the work of local talent and stories.
“By working with ACOA, we are opening doors to international markets, attracting investment, creating more local jobs, all while ensuring our province continues to benefit from the global demand for our compelling stories.” – Mark Sexton, Board Chair, PictureNL
To learn more about PictureNL, please visit PictureNL.
