Summary#
Montréal city council approved a direct-award contract with Productions Figure 55 inc. to make a 360-degree immersive film for the Planétarium de Montréal. The city also approved the related agreement and a total spending limit of $562,758.70, including taxes. City staff say the goal is to present a new film about meteor showers and connect visitors with astronomy.
- The contract covers directing, production and post-production of the film, provisionally titled Filante.
- The contract price is $459,361.92, including taxes. Council also authorized $68,904.28 for contingencies and $34,492.50 for project-related costs.
- The film is planned to launch on October 5, 2027. The staff summary says it is planned as the featured presentation through April 4, 2028, then for at least two years in regular programming.
- The award followed a call for proposals sent to 12 creative studios; six submitted proposals. The city awarded the contract directly to Figure 55. The materials do not say it was the lowest compliant bid.
What it means for you#
- Planétarium visitors: The city plans to show the film at the Planétarium. The decision does not set admission prices or guarantee attendance or revenue.
- City: The Planétarium will support the production with access to spaces and equipment, and technical, educational and scientific assistance.
- Taxpayers: The decision summary says the city will cover the full expense. It does not say this will change any tax rate.
Money#
The approved total is $562,758.70, including taxes, and is provided for in Espace pour la vie’s budget.
- The summary allocates $264,133.10 to 2026 and $298,625.60 to 2027.
- The contingency budget is $68,904.28, including taxes. The additional $34,492.50 is for educational materials and cultural activities related to the project.
- The materials give no estimate for the value of the Planétarium’s staff time, facilities, equipment or other support.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s full terms, including its duration and any conditions for accepting the work, are not set out in the materials provided.
- The materials do not say whether unused contingency funds would be spent.
- The decision does not state how the city will measure whether the film increases attendance or revenue.
Case for#
- City staff say Figure 55 stood out for its experience, understanding of the assignment and artistic approach; six studios submitted proposals.
- A possible argument for the project is that the film can bring the Planétarium’s research and expertise on meteor showers to visitors in an immersive format.
- The planned screening period gives the Planétarium a new featured film before it enters regular programming.
Case against#
- One concern is the public cost: the decision authorizes $562,758.70, including a 15% contingency, without stating expected attendance or revenue.
- The award followed a proposal process, but the materials do not provide the proposals’ comparative costs or explain why a direct award was chosen over another procurement method.
- The Planétarium’s staff, spaces and equipment will also support production; the value of these resources is not included in a separate estimate.