Video Production Halifax

Halifax for Corporate Video: Nova Scotia's Capital and Atlantic Canada Hub

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the major urban center of Atlantic Canada (the four eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). The city anchors the Port of Halifax (one of North America's major Atlantic deep-water ports), substantial Canadian Forces operations (Canadian Forces Base Halifax is the major Royal Canadian Navy base on the Atlantic), substantial ocean technology industry, and substantial higher education (Dalhousie University, plus other major institutions). For corporate productions involving Atlantic Canadian business, Royal Canadian Navy operations, port and shipping operations, or distinctive maritime content, Halifax is the natural location. Most major Atlantic Canadian corporate production coordinates through Halifax for the regional hub.

Industry Landscape

Port and logistics with the Port of Halifax operations. Defense with substantial Canadian Forces operations (CFB Halifax, Royal Canadian Navy Atlantic command). Ocean technology with substantial operations including the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), plus substantial defense and offshore industry research. Higher education with Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, plus others. Tourism with substantial maritime tourism. Some financial services with regional operations.

Where Corporate Shoots Happen

Downtown Halifax along the Halifax Waterfront and Spring Garden Road holds traditional corporate offices and major hotels. The Halifax Citadel and Historic Properties hold heritage architecture for distinctive maritime B-roll. The Port of Halifax holds substantial maritime operations. The Dalhousie University campus holds substantial academic activity. The CFB Halifax dockyard holds the Royal Canadian Navy operations (with appropriate security clearance).

Crew Base

Halifax has a working production crew base. For larger productions, crews are sometimes augmented from Toronto or Montreal.

Climate

Humid continental moderated by the Atlantic. Cool to warm summers and cold winters. Best outdoor shooting weather May through October. Hurricanes can occasionally affect Atlantic Canada in late summer and early fall (post-tropical systems).

Production Logistics in Halifax

Reference for projects in Atlantic Canada.

Time Zone

Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC-4) winter, Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT, UTC-3) summer.

Language

English is the primary language. French is the second official Canadian language with some Acadian French community in Nova Scotia.

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD).

Electrical Standards, Frame Rate

120V at 60Hz. Type A and B plugs. Default 29.97fps NTSC or 23.976fps for cinematic work.

Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) handles direct flights to major Canadian cities, US, UK, and some European cities. About 35 to 45 minutes from downtown Halifax.

CFB Halifax Access

For CFB Halifax dockyard and Royal Canadian Navy access, advance security clearance through the Department of National Defence, NDA execution, and operational coordination apply. Lead times of 8 to 16 weeks are typical given the substantial defense classification protocols.

Permits

Screen Nova Scotia and Halifax municipality handle filming permits. Nova Scotia has substantial film incentive programs.