Written by new-contact on Aug 27, 2013. Posted in On Location

George Clooney and director Brad Bird film Tomorrowland in Vancouver

George Clooney and filmmaker Brad Bird have begun shooting their new Disney feature Tomorrowland on location in Vancouver. Very little has been revealed about the production, but the project is a welcome boost for British Columbia’s filming industry.

“Tomorrowland is building right now. That’s one of the biggest productions we’ve had,” said Peter Leitch, chairman of the Motion Picture Production Association of British Columbia, and president of North Shore Studios and Mammoth Studios, in an interview with the Globe and Mail: “20th Century Fox is looking up here to bring another big show. They haven’t confirmed it, but hopefully we’ll have something from Fox in the next month or so.

“We’ve got as many television series as we’ve had for some time here. We’re optimistic that things have turned around from the first half of the year.”

British Columbia had a difficult start to 2013. Its filming incentive programme is less comprehensive than the offerings in Ontario and Quebec - the western province's film tax credit only applies to local labour costs - and this has contributed to a production decline.

We’re optimistic that things have turned around from the first half of the year.

Peter Leitch, Motion Picture Production Association of British Columbia

A Man of Steel follow-up, featuring both Superman and Batman, is most likely moving to Toronto and a reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise recently relocated to Louisiana. On the other hand, Godzilla and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes have helped sustain British Columbia.

“Now that more people are working, I think there is a new sense of optimism,” Leitch added to the outlet.