MELS, a prominent post-production company in Canada, is shutting down its Quebec facility that houses one of the few film development labs in North America. The decision was confirmed by Patrick Jutras, the president of Montreal’s MELS studio, who cited inadequate tax incentives for foreign productions and decreasing investments in local audiovisual production as reasons for the closure. While MELS itself will remain operational, certain post-production services are being relocated and consolidated to adapt to market demands and ensure profitability. Consequently, the photochemical laboratory and projection room will be closed, while other post-production activities will be transferred to a new location.
Acknowledging the sentimental value attached to the facilities, especially the unique analog film laboratory in Canada, Jutras emphasized the need for swift government intervention to support the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in this field.
The closure of MELS’ photochemical lab is significant as it has been a vital resource for filmmakers working with 16mm and 35mm film formats for widespread distribution. According to Concordia film professor Michael Yaroshevsky, MELS’ facility is one of the three “full service” development labs in the continent, capable of processing 6,100 meters of film daily, with the other two located in Los Angeles and Atlanta. The lab has played a crucial role in supporting various film productions, including well-known titles like “Dream Scenario,” “Universal Language,” “Mommy,” and several successful Quebec-made movies.
In response to the closure announcement, Yaroshevsky initiated a petition to save the photochemical studio, which has garnered over 2,500 signatures. He emphasized the importance of preserving film as a medium for aspiring filmmakers and voiced concerns about the potential loss of celluloid as a creative tool.
MELS, a subsidiary of Quebecor, is part of a larger telecommunications conglomerate that includes TVA Group, Freedom Mobile, and Vidéotron. The French-language Canadian film industry has experienced a decline in box office performance, with revenues dropping by 45.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite this setback, Telefilm Canada attributes the decline to market fluctuations rather than a quality crisis. In a bid to revitalize the industry, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette announced a significant investment to implement the Quebec Audiovisual Strategy, aiming to enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the face of evolving consumer habits and technological advancements.