One of the leading post-production companies in Canada is set to close its Quebec facility, which is home to one of the few film development laboratories in North America catering to professional productions. Patrick Jutras, the president of Montreal’s MELS studio, confirmed this decision in a statement to CBC. He mentioned the lack of competitive tax incentives to attract foreign productions and decreasing investments in local audiovisual production as reasons for the closure of the company’s photochemical lab in the upcoming months.
While MELS itself will not cease operations, Jutras revealed plans to relocate and consolidate specific post-production services to adapt to market demands and maintain profitability. Consequently, the photochemical laboratory and a projection room will be closed, with the remaining post-production activities being transferred to a new location.
In a statement originally provided in French to CBC, Jutras acknowledged the sentimental value attached to the facilities by many artists, particularly the unique analog film laboratory in Canada. He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to support the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in this domain.
As the film industry increasingly shifts towards digital production methods, MELS’ photochemical lab has become a primary choice for filmmakers interested in working with and developing 16mm and 35mm film for wide distribution. According to Concordia film professor Michael Yaroshevsky, MELS’ facility is one of the three “full-service” development labs in North America, capable of processing 6,100 meters of film daily, alongside similar labs in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
In response to the closure news, Yaroshevsky initiated a petition urging the preservation of the photochemical studio, which has garnered 2,577 signatures to date. He emphasized the importance of keeping film production accessible for students and filmmakers, highlighting the continued relevance of film as a medium for creative expression.
MELS, a subsidiary of Quebecor, a telecommunications company that also operates the TVA Group, Freedom Mobile, and Vidéotron, did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. Despite French-language Canadian films historically dominating the local movie industry, recent statistics from Telefilm Canada indicate a significant decline in box office revenue for these films in 2025, necessitating strategic interventions to sustain and revitalize the industry amidst evolving consumer trends and technological advancements.
