By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
For decades, the streets and buildings of Halton Hills have served as a backdrop for the film industry.
With the launch of the Halton Hills Film Database, residents can now view information about movies and television shows filmed in the town online.
The project started in January 2025 as a collaboration between local historian and Vintage Acton head Scott Brooks and the Acton BIA co-ordinator Matthew Galliford before he passed away in the fall.
At the time, the duo realized the town’s film history was scattered and undocumented. They took it upon themselves to create an online archive where it can all be housed.
“We realized that there wasn’t really one particular spot online that was home to that kind of database,” Brooks explained.
Brooks said the database is dedicated to Galliford, who worked in the Toronto film industry starting in 1996 until 2006 when he moved to Acton.
Galliford worked as a special makeup effects artist and actor. Some of his works include the 1995 television series “Goosebumps,” and the 2000 movie “Ginger Snaps.”
“I don’t think it would be as extensive of a list if it wasn’t for his passion and interest in both local history and the film industry,” Brooks said.
For Brooks, launching the site is more than just a historical achievement; it’s a way to honour a friend.
“I’m very proud to accomplish this database and to carry on his legacy,” he said. “It’s a fitting tribute to him.”
Film database
The database currently catalogues more than 70 television and movie productions, a number that surprised even Brooks during his research.
Among the standout entries is the 1985 movie “Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird.”
Brooks explained the production “was a really big deal, especially in Georgetown, because downtown Georgetown was shut down for one day for the filming of this movie.”
The database also provides an overview of local film history. For example, the database notes that the “first documented movie theatre in Acton was the Wonderland Theatre, opening in May 1909.”
When it comes to what makes Halton Hills attractive to location scouts, Brooks pointed to the town’s versatility.
“We have a mix of both urban and rural locations,” he said.
He also said the municipality offers a “small town feel” and the town’s geography allows the area to “pull its weight” against much larger filming hubs.
Brooks is actively seeking input from the community to expand the collection. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes photos, old movie props or even home videos of film sets in action, the goal is to preserve Halton Hills’ connection to the film industry.
“I think just preserving our history is a good enough legacy as it is,” Brooks said.
Residents can send media materials or suggestions to Brooks by email at vintageacton@gmail.com.
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