How Group 793 Is Redefining Seamless Production

In a world where the lines between various sectors of production and post are being blurred, there’s never been a better time for studios to enhance offerings, tap into new ways of working, and embrace cutting-edge technologies to create the sharpest, most clever outputs. 

This is something that’s true of even the biggest, most successful studios. Look at Toronto-based Pharmacy Studios, for example. Created in the late ‘70s as the first Canadian purpose-built sound stages offering production services, and having hosted many famous motion pictures including home to SCTV, the ever famous Christmas Story, as well as stars such as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Cher, Queen and The Rolling Stones… to name a few, it saw now as the right time to upgrade its offerings for a new age of advertising. The result? The announcement of Group 793 to the Canadian market. 

Now a full-service creative production company in the truest sense, it’s fast becoming one of the country’s most unique production hubs. After all, not many studios can say they offer an 85,000 square foot, true film production facility… all with the talent to back it up. 

“Production should always be built for efficiency,” says Paul Irving, founder and managing director of the studio. “So, we wanted to become a creative hub where no one is a stranger. Our team has a 24-hour open door policy which allows us to collaborate with others whenever needed.”

But what does an open door and an 85,000 square foot space actually entail, other than occupying a vast amount of real estate? Well, quite a few things, as it turns out. Naturally, there’s the traditional production offerings, bolstered by a strong roster of directors, but there’s also post production suites offering everything from offline to colour and VFX to finishing, audio studios packed with a dream team built of composers, producers and engineers, and even a fully dedicated catering team on site. 

“We are in a fragile industry where budgets are constantly cut, and we’re witnessing client teams struggling with a lack of support on their end, and this is where we come in,” Paul continues. “So, we’ve collapsed the world of creativity, production, post and sound with the technical ability and tools to deliver original visions in both commercial and long form productions.”

So what did it take to actually bring this transformation to life? Well, according to Rob Plaxton, partner/head of production, it was all about pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology while never losing sight of why we wanted to make films and tell stories in the first place.

“Over the past few years, 793 has undergone a bit of a renaissance,” he explains. “We knew we had to keep our love of the craft front and centre, but we also realised that by stepping out of the traditional production model, we could have the best of both worlds: saving bottom lines, without sacrificing quality.” 

Of course, while talk is good, proof of concept is better. And, to this end, 793 literally offers just about anything anyone working on a creative project might need. Obviously there’s the aforementioned, chef-prepared fresh meals - a major boon during a long day on set - but there’s also modern lounges, boardrooms, client offices and plenty of spaces that allow people to seamlessly transition between private meetings and set, enabling educed go between time and greater overall efficiency. 

But, that isn’t all. In no particular order, 793 also offers:

• Two sound stages (totalling 25,000 square feet), with support offices.

• A green screen studio.

• Photo/video tabletop studios.

• Rental gear and camera equipment.

• Multiple edit suites, including flame and VFX.

• Colour suites.

• A state of the art recording studio.

• An IMAX 12.4 certified sound theatre mix room.

The studio even offers off-site virtual production partners for when it’s necessary, creating a one-stop experience and a straight-line solution for those who need it most. 

“The reality is that your entire project can be produced without leaving the building,” Paul notes. “And, there are major advantages to having an ‘all in the box’ solution. By building a seamless integration, we can convert film into an unparalleled experience, with our collective team all working together to bring life to each process of production.”

To this end, Paul is especially enthusiastic about the members of the team. On the traditional production side of things, of course he’s proud to share that 793 offers a diverse roster of talented directors and photographers with varied skill sets, but he adds that it’s especially in the areas of audio and post that crucial partnerships have been built as of late.

Speaking on the former, he states, “Our audio studios are built to create a new sonic signature, including original composition, sound design, casting, voice direction, sonic branding, music sync and licensing, along with a certified IMAX mix room.”

But, that isn’t all. Paul says that amazing people have been hired across the board, from talented composers who’ve worked and toured the world, to a sharp new leader which brings about an exciting partnership opportunity. “As part of this, we’ve teamed up with our now exclusive partners: Inside Music Publishing. Not only is its CEO Marc Costanzo (the same one from the band LEN, who will ‘Steal your Sunshine’!) our music director, but IMP is also a partner of Kobalt Music group, which brings easy access to licensed, world-renowned music from a home studio in Nashville.”

And, jumping back to post, the team is fully equipped and prepared to deliver in any area needed. “Our VFX/animation and finishing partner, ‘Frame Distillery’, combines years of experience in both commercial broadcast and long form across the whole team, allowing us to serve the challenges and needs of a diverse client list, from large to boutique,” he observes.

Specifically, owner and finishing artist, Rob Del Ciancio, has spent his career working with directors and creative teams to solve creative challenges on the screen, one frame at a time. Along with creative director and artist Steve McArdle, the two have covered all aspects of the creative process for the past 25 years. As Rob says, “When people put their trust in you to help bring their ideas and stories to life, it’s a big deal - a collaboration I don’t take lightly. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll have a few laughs along the way, but in the background, the gears are always turning!” 

So, with all this in mind, what’s next for Group 793? How will it kick off the new year, and importantly, consistently deliver across all realms of production? As Paul puts it, ultimately, it comes down to the passion, drive, and the years of experience each team boasts. 

“We’re coming into 2024 with a bang,” he finishes. “While we can’t share too much about our projects yet, everything is here, we are proud of it, and I think people are going to love the efficiency of being able to do everything in one place! The minds, the studios, the creative suites for all things post and sound allows the process to flow seamless. And, most importantly, none of this does, or will ever jeopardise the quality of work, which at the end of the day, is the most important thing.”