One of the leading post-production companies in Canada is set to close its Quebec facility, which currently houses one of the few film development laboratories in North America tailored for professional productions. Patrick Jutras, the president of Montreal’s MELS studio, announced the closure due to insufficient tax incentives to attract foreign productions and a decrease in local audiovisual investments. Although MELS itself will remain operational, certain post-production services will be relocated and consolidated to align with market demands and ensure profitability. Consequently, the photochemical lab and a projection room will be closed, with the rest of the post-production activities transferred to a new site.
In a statement to CBC, Jutras acknowledged the sentimental value attached to the analog film laboratory and urged for swift government intervention to support the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in the field.
As the film industry shifts towards digital production methods, MELS’ photochemical lab has been a crucial resource for filmmakers working with 16mm and 35mm film formats for wide distribution. Professor Michael Yaroshevsky from Concordia noted that MELS’ facility is among the three full-service development labs in the continent, capable of processing 6,100 meters of film daily, with the other two located in L.A. and Atlanta. The lab’s capabilities have supported the production of various films, including notable works like “Dream Scenario,” “Universal Language,” “Mommy,” and several Quebec-made movies that have gained international recognition.
Following the announcement of the lab’s closure, Yaroshevsky initiated a petition to save the studio, emphasizing the importance of preserving film as a medium for creation alongside digital technologies. Despite the dominance of digital cinema, the petition underscores the continued relevance and demand for film-based education and artistic expression.
MELS, a subsidiary of Quebecor, which also oversees TVA Group, Freedom Mobile, and Vidéotron, did not provide immediate comments on the closure. Despite the recent decline in French-language Canadian films at the box office, the Quebec government pledged a substantial investment of $609.6 million over five years to implement the 2026–2031 Quebec Audiovisual Strategy. This strategic initiative aims to support the industry’s sustainability and adaptability in response to evolving consumer behaviors shaped by artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
