MELS, a leading post-production company in Canada, is shutting down its Quebec facility that houses one of the few film development laboratories in North America. The closure is due to insufficient tax incentives for attracting foreign productions to Montreal and a decrease in local audiovisual production investment. While MELS will remain operational, certain post-production services will be relocated and consolidated to adapt to market demands and ensure profitability, leading to the closure of the photochemical lab and projection room.
The company’s president, Patrick Jutras, highlighted the significance of the analog film laboratory, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention to support the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in this field.
Despite the industry’s shift towards digital production, MELS’ photochemical lab has been a crucial resource for filmmakers working with 16mm and 35mm film formats. Recognized as one of three “full-service” development labs in North America, MELS has supported various film productions, including well-known titles like “Dream Scenario,” “Universal Language,” “Mommy,” and several acclaimed Quebec-made movies.
Following the announcement of the lab’s closure, a petition spearheaded by film professor Michael Yaroshevsky has garnered significant support, underlining the importance of maintaining access to film development facilities for local filmmakers and students. Yaroshevsky emphasized the coexistence of digital and film technologies in the industry, advocating for the preservation of celluloid as a medium for cinematic expression.
MELS, a subsidiary of Quebecor, a telecommunications company, has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the closure. Despite recent challenges faced by French-language Canadian films at the box office, the Quebec government has pledged a substantial investment to support the audiovisual industry and address evolving consumer trends driven by artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
