Written by Tom Deehan on Oct 19, 2016. Posted in General Interest

Vancouver opens Film and Media Centre, appoints David Shepheard as Commissioner

The Vancouver Film and Media Centre is now open for business, capitalising on the Canadian city’s world renowned reputation as a major production hub. Taking charge as the centre’s first Film Commissioner, David Shepheard has a host of managerial credits from his time working in the London film industry.

Vancouver has long since been known for its highly competitive film incentive and advanced infrastructure that has been popular with feature film projects, securing the likes of Dean Israelite’s Power Rangers (pictured) and Justin Lin’s Star Trek Beyond.

David Shepheard explains: “Vancouver is already a world-class destination for film production and talent… the are taking steps to elevate the industry by addressing the long-term needs of its stakeholders and becoming a global leader in innovation and sustainable growth. I look forward to building on a very solid foundation laid by the VEC, other partners in B.C., and collaborating with my counterparts in other cities.”

Ian McKay, CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission adds: “the creation of a new Centre and hiring Vancouver’s first Film Commissioner is the natural response to pent-up demand from industry for a singular point of contact for incoming productions concerning talent, infrastructure and key decision makers… David brings experience and a proven ability to continue the work our organization does in advocacy, investment and promotion for our high-growth sectors.”

News emerged in May 2016 that British Columbia, the Canadian Province that houses Vancouver would be reducing its incentive rate, offering 28% in tax credits as opposed to 33%. The newly established Film and Media Centre should provide a counter-reaction to the cuts, reassuring international Producers that Vancouver is ready to welcome them.

To qualify for the incentive, productions must spend at least 75% of their budget locally and shoot 75% of the final product in Vancouver.