The Donlands Theatre was built in 1948 by B & F Theatres and operated for almost three decades. Local residents recall walking to it for "Planet of the Apes," "James Bond," "Star Wars," and other classics.

Canada's own John Candy, who grew up a few blocks away, was a regular patron and credited the theatre with inspiring his acting career.

Around 1976, the theatre switched to showing East Indian films and for six years was a center of excitement for moviegoers of that genre.

In the mid-80s, the theatre doors closed while an ambitious multimedia company undertook a transformation of the theatre into film and audio studios.

The studio was later purchased by the martial arts production company "Film One Productions," which produced roughly 20 action features.

"Tiger Claws," "TC 2000," and "Expect No Mercy" are some of the titles to come out of that era, and many of Toronto's film professionals began their careers in the studio with these productions.

In the early 2000s, a Toronto film industry lighting technician took on the project of updating the building to suit Toronto's growing commercial and feature film community.

The name "Pie in the Sky" came from a conversation with the landlord when he asked if this was really going to happen or if it was all just "pie in the sky."

So, on April 1, 2002, "Pie in the Sky Studios" was born and has been growing and evolving ever since.

We now informally go by "Pie Studios" as the dream has been realized and because we have a great reputation for "sweet service."