#FIRSTLOOK: “MAGIC ON SET” OTTAWA TOURISM SHORT FILM

Ottawa Tourism’s delightful new holiday rom-com, Magic On Set, is now streaming on YouTube. Viewers can also catch the film on Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment, available in English with optional French subtitles. For a more immersive festive experience, holiday fans and film-lovers can take part in the Magic On Set activation at The Distillery Winter Village, opening November 13 and running until November 17, 2025.

In October, the film had its holiday-themed red carpet premiere at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto with cast and other special guests in attendance. Audiences everywhere can now experience the sparkle of Ottawa’s holiday magic, from the twinkling lights of the ByWard Market to the skating trails and cozy cafés that make the city a real-life rom-com setting.

Directed by Shawna Steele (An Ice Palace Romance) and starring Melinda Shankar (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Chad Connell (Good Sam), Sarah McVie (Workin’ Moms, The Handmaid’s Tale), and Simba Yakibonge (No Regrets), singer/songwriter Jamie Fine, Stefan Keyes (CTV News anchor), content creator Katie Hession, and Maeve Georgeson, the 17-minute short film captures the irresistible charm of Canada’s capital during the festive season.

Magic on Set was written by Ottawa-based screenwriter Graeme Archibald and filmed entirely on location, featuring iconic landmarks including the Fairmont Château Laurier, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Christmas Market, and Parliament Hill’s Centennial Flame. The film is a love letter to Ottawa’s growing reputation as a go-to destination for holiday productions—and for travellers seeking a festive winter getaway.

About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community.

#SPOTTED: MELINDA SHANKAR, CHAD CONNELL AND MORE IN TORONTO FOR SCREENING OF OTTAWA TOURISM’S “MAGIC ON SET”

OTTAWA TOURISM present MAGIC ON SET, a heartfelt short film that is a nod to Ottawa’s growing fame as a backdrop to Holiday films! The 17-minute short film stars Degrassi‘s Melinda Shankar and Chad Connell as well! Cameos include appearances by recording artist Jamie Fine, plus news anchor Stefan Keyes, and content creator Katie Hession.

The holiday Rom-Com is the winning pitch from a city-wide call for scripts. Local writer Graeme Archibald, a public servant by day into a charming story that shines a light on Ottawa’s festive spirit.

A holiday-themed reception and screening were held last night at TIFF LIGHTBOX. Some highlights from the night:

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Short Film is coming soon. Follow OTTAWA TOURISM for more.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: OTTAWA TOURISM PRESENT “MAGIC ON SET” SHORT FILM

This holiday season, Ottawa Tourism invites audiences to fall in love with Canada’s capital in Magic on Set, a heartwarming short film directed by Shawna Steele (An Ice Palace Romance), and starring Melinda Shankar (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Chad Connell (Good Sam), Sarah McVie (Workin’ Moms, The Handmaid’s Tale), Simba Yakibonge (No Regrets) with special appearances by JUNO-nominated singer and songwriter Jamie Fine, CTV News Anchor Stefan Keyes and content creator Katie Hession.

A special event screening will be held at TIFF Lightbox on October 15th with members from the filmmaking team, key cast, and Canadian notables in attendance. Starting November 2025, holiday buffs and travel lovers can watch the film on Ottawa Tourism’s YouTube channel and as part of Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment, in English with French subtitles available.

Magic on Set is a playful nod to Ottawa’s booming reputation as the prime backdrop for holiday movies. With its festive sightseeing, seasonal shopping, outdoor ice skating, and cozy Christmas market, Ottawa is a magical destination for anyone who wants to capture the holiday spirit, from location scouts to tourists.

“The concept behind Magic on Set was to both create a piece of moviemaking that audiences would enjoy, as well as show off our beautiful and cinema-friendly city. Ottawa is already a holiday movie capital, with more than a dozen Christmas films shot here each year,” said Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “With Magic on Set, we’re showcasing our city proudly as itself—an enchanting winter destination that inspires both filmmakers and travellers.”

The 17-minute holiday rom-com is the winning pitch from a city-wide call for scripts. Local writer Graeme Archibald, a public servant by day, captured Ottawa’s unique holiday magic in a story that blends humour, romance, and authentic local charm. Filmed entirely on location, Magic on Set features some of Ottawa’s most beloved and cinematic landmarks including the Fairmont Château Laurier, ByWard Market, Ottawa Christmas Market, Canadian Museum of Nature and Parliament Hill’s Centennial Flame.

“Ottawa offers a friendly, affordable boutique destination for filmmakers. We make sure that whoever is coming here has a great experience and productivity is at its maximum so they can come back for more,” said Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, Film Commissioner, Ottawa Film Office

Magic On Set tells the story about Sarah, an actress from California, who struggles to find her Christmas spirit while filming a holiday movie in snowy Ottawa. A chance encounter with David, a charming local baker who rescues dogs, leads to a day of festive adventures across the city. As they grow closer, holiday distractions and miscommunication threaten to pull them apart just as something magical is beginning.

About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community.