- With 30 years in the film industry, Tonya brings a rare combination of production expertise and a refined understanding of the storytelling power of location. Her career spans television, commercials, and feature films. She doesn't just source exceptional locations - she understands what works for production and how to pitch it.
Built on decades of trusted industry relationships, Tonya’s reputation is grounded in authenticity, strategic insight, and commitment. She pairs big-picture vision with hands-on execution, ensuring every project is supported from concept through delivery.
Beyond production, Tonya is an advocate and industry leader. She has written features articles for Compass, the official magazine of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI), and produced the World of Looks photography competition - spotlighting the work of location scouts in British Columbia.
Her own photography has won awards and was included in the 2026 Cannes Special edition of Locations International.
Tonya’s expertise has been recognized by leading media outlets, including Architectural Digest, Variety, Global News, CBC, and The Vancouver Sun.
Her technical credentials further elevate her work.
In 2020, Tonya pioneered a 360° virtual tour platform that transformed how locations are discovered. What began as a solution to pandemic-era challenges evolved into a powerful marketing tool-turning physical spaces into dynamic digital assets.
Holding a Basic Pilot License and Advanced RPAS Ground School certification, Tonya integrates aerial imagery that adds cinematic scale and value to every project.
In 2011, Tonya authored the Directors Guild of Canada British Columbia training course - Introduction to Location Scouting, teaching hundreds of emerging professionals. She later became the first instructor to successfully transition the curriculum online during the pandemic.
A passionate advocate for fair wages and representation, Tonya continues to champion the interests of location scouts in British Columbia. She played a key role in establishing a scouting committee in hopes of securing fair representation at the next collective bargaining.
Fun Fact: While working on Smallville, a character was named in her honour, appearing in seven episodes.
- IMDb mini biography by: Tonya Hartz
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