http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,187389,00.html

The Dallas Film Commission has launched the "Shoot JR in Dallas" campaign in hopes of luring the film's producers to North Texas. "The thought of `Dallas' being made in Toronto is not a good idea," Mayor Laura Miller said

T.O. has one of the largest and most complete film industries outside of the USA. I can see the point of any city wanting the entire production to occur on home turf.

The benefit of operating up north has for some time been the accesibility of gear, grip, and operators at substantial savings. However that has changed over the past 2 years. Our Canuck buck has strengthened such that the exchange rate is not quite so enticing.

For years we have been New York, Chicago - including the recent film, as well as many other cities. You will see less of us in the next few years ... the entire industry has contracted and we are not immune.

Are there unions in Toronto?

Are there unions in Toronto?
I'm not an expert but it seems there are unions that cross national borders
http://www.iatse212.com/
Don't know what this does for runaway movies, but again I'm not an expert.

I think they go to canada to avoid the unions and like in the case of Brokeback mountain they can treat animals worse. PETA filed a complaint against them I read somewhere.

Yet another example of Hollywood not being able to generate original content. Yippy, can't wait to see this one.

Anyone still remember that great American Civil War epic, "Cold Mountain" that was filmed in Romania? I mean, ROMANIA!

I'm actually a bit surprised they're shooting "Dallas" on the North American continent!

There were other reasons why they filmed in Romania and it wasn't just cost (which of course is always a major factor). Most of the places portrayed historically in "Cold Mountain" have been built over or are pristine parks that bear no resemblance to the battlefields or undeveloped places during the Civil War-era. Also, ironically, all of the likely extras in America are overfed, older civil war reenactors who may know their stuff but they, again, bear no resemblance to half-starved, young civil war volunteers with bad teeth. In Romania they were able to find these people among the Romanian army.

If the effect was not successful, then that is a separate issue.

I think they go to canada to avoid the unions and like in the case of Brokeback mountain they can treat animals worse. PETA filed a complaint against them I read somewhere.
You might want to research the above. I think you are wrong.

It is the American Humane Society. Look on their website.

Speaking less to the specific reference, more to the generalization inferred. Canadian film destinations are not chosen due to a lack of protection toward animals or otherwise providing a wanton disregard for good morals or laws that are commonplace in the civilized world.

We care.

Alot.

Canada. With a capital "C".

Maybe its a surprise to my mayor that the series Dallas was filmed in Hollywood. They came to Dallas for external shots and such. Southfork is a neat tour and tribute to the show, but there is no way in hell they could shoot internal shots there....although I think they tried a couple of times.

I bet the movie will do the same.