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Netflix Films on P.E.I. This Summer

· news

Island Intrigue: Netflix’s Secret Summer on P.E.I.

Prince Edward Island is about to become a hub of cinematic activity as crews arrive to film the adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel This Summer Will Be Different. The news has sparked a mix of excitement and trepidation among locals and tourists, who wonder what this influx will mean for the island’s summer season.

Behind closed doors, Netflix has been quietly preparing its production on P.E.I.’s picturesque shores. Dozens of film trucks and trailers are parked at the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown, indicating that this is no ordinary summer for the island. While neither Netflix nor the film crew will reveal much about the project, rumors have circulated about the province’s investment.

According to reports, the government has committed $5 million in the form of a rebate – a significant sum that has raised eyebrows among those who question the decision. With the island already struggling with infrastructure and tourist capacity issues, some wonder if this influx is more than just a welcome boost for the local economy.

This Summer Will Be Different tells the story of Lucy Ashby, a young woman who vacations on P.E.I. each summer and becomes drawn to the island’s charms – as well as its complicated web of relationships. Sophie Nélisse will star in the lead role, alongside Francesca Reale and Roby Attal.

As production gets underway, locals are bracing themselves for disruptions caused by filming on a small island like P.E.I. While some have expressed concerns about infrastructure and daily life, others see potential benefits – increased economic activity and opportunities for Island residents to get involved in the production process.

This summer will be different on P.E.I., with the island taking center stage in the world of Netflix. Whether or not this is a recipe for success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: with great investment comes great responsibility.

The province’s heavy investment in this production has raised questions about long-term benefits. Can P.E.I.’s infrastructure handle the demands of such a large-scale production? What does this mean for the island’s already-strained tourist industry?

Netflix has made significant investments in Canadian productions, with This Summer Will Be Different being one of its most high-profile projects yet. The budget is rumored to be in the millions, indicating Netflix’s commitment to bringing Fortune’s novel to life on screen.

P.E.I. is more than just a backdrop for this story; it’s a living, breathing character that will bring depth and authenticity to the series. As director of production management at Netflix Canada put it earlier this year, “P.E.I. has captured the hearts (and cameras) of filmmakers from around the world” with its unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.

While locals are eager to see what this production brings, many are also bracing themselves for disruptions caused by filming on a small island like P.E.I. Some areas have already been closed off to the public due to filming, which may impact daily life – not just for residents but also for tourists who expect an unspoiled experience.

As the cameras roll and the summer season heats up on P.E.I., one thing is clear: this island has a starring role in the world of Netflix. With its unique charm, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s little wonder why This Summer Will Be Different will be remembered for years to come.

Reader Views

  • EK
    Editor K. Wells · editor

    It's time for Netflix to put its money where its mouth is on P.E.I. $5 million in rebates is a hefty investment, but what does it mean for long-term sustainability? Will this influx of filmmakers and tourists strain the island's already-fragile infrastructure, or can we rely on Netflix's promises of economic benefits and community engagement? The article glosses over the details, but Islanders deserve more transparency about how their public resources are being allocated. Where's the plan to mitigate these disruptions, and what's the exit strategy when the cameras roll out?

  • AD
    Analyst D. Park · policy analyst

    The $5 million rebate offered by the P.E.I. government to Netflix is likely to be a contentious issue as production gets underway. While increased economic activity and job opportunities are undeniably benefits for the island, taxpayers should be wary of tying up such a significant sum in a single project. The article doesn't delve into the potential trade-offs – what else could this investment have been used for? Is it enough to justify potential disruptions to local infrastructure and services? It's time for provincial officials to provide transparency on how they're managing the financial risks associated with this production deal.

  • RJ
    Reporter J. Avery · staff reporter

    The Netflix film crew's arrival on P.E.I. is just the tip of the iceberg - it's the island's infrastructure and tourist capacity that should be getting a serious overhaul before this influx of filming activity. With a summer season already expected to be overwhelmed by tourists, the last thing the island needs is dozens more vehicles on its roads and hundreds more mouths to feed in its restaurants. Let's not get carried away with the economic benefits without considering the practicalities - where are they going to park all those film trucks, and how will they ensure that local residents aren't priced out of their own summer homes?

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