According to one industry insider, Hollywood is discovering Ancaster. Dundas native Jonathan Orson, a location scout for the movie industry, was in Ancaster recently for three days with a crew of about 60 people shooting a made-for TV movie Cheater’s Club.

Anyone with keen eyesight might have spotted large white vans or noticed cardboard signs directing crews to park at various locations in the village core, including two residences on Foxridge Drive, near the Old Mill, where the movie was shot.

The Old Firehall, now leased by Theatre Ancaster and the All Star Jazz band, became a temporary dining hall for lunch for several days.

Mr. Orson said Ancaster is perfect for shooting movies because of the different kinds of scenery and the hospitality of local people.

"Ancaster has a lot of old and new. There are lots of variations from heritage buildings to big scary shopping malls in a small area," said Mr. Orson.

Ancaster’s latest production by Chesler-Perlmutter Productions Inc., is a psychological drama that will air on the American Lifetime Network and possibly Global, said Mr. Orson. While there are no big-name stars, like Robin Williams, who was on set in Dundas last winter, people might recognize actress Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Al Croxall, who is on the Theatre Ancaster’s board of directors, welcomed the production, saying there are clear benefits to having the movie industry set up shop in Ancaster.

Mr. Croxall was able to rent the Old Firehall for about $200 a lunch. While it may not be much, Mr. Croxall said it helps his non-profit theatre group cover their lease and hydro bills.

Jacquelin McNealie is with the City of Hamilton’s film office.

She says filming in the Hamilton area has doubled from 47 to 92 productions in just one year.

She agrees with Mr. Orson that Hamilton’s main advantage is the diversity of landscape, which includes Hamilton’s historic buildings and homes.

Ms. McNealie said the city is actively encouraging the film industry and sees the greatest benefit not from the direct spending, which is still important, but eventually the relocation of production houses to the area.

"We hope to get more people from the film industry exposed to Hamilton, then we hope to see them move here or expand their companies to this area," she said.