Written by David Lewis on Mar 10, 2009. Posted in On Location

Business is booming in BC

Motion picture production spending in British Columbia in 2008 was CAD1.2 billion, an increase of more than CAD250 million over 2007, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett announced yesterday.

“Our province continues to be a top location in the global film and television industries, with our stunning locations, skilled professional workforce and world-class motion picture infrastructure,” said Bennett. “Even in these challenging economic times, the work we’ve put into strengthening and diversifying BC’s economy means that motion picture production and many other industries will continue to grow and thrive.”

According to data released today by the BC Film Commission, total motion picture production spending and numbers of projects in British Columbia in 2008 are up almost 30% over 2007, with the majority of the increase in foreign feature film activity. This sector totalled CAD442 million in 2008, an increase of 146% or CAD262 million over 2007.

“We were very fortunate to have increased our production activity and industry employment in BC last year, particularly when economic circumstances proved trying for so many sectors including ours,” said Peter Leitch, chair of Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC and president of Mammoth and North Shore Studios.

While domestic spending as a whole decreased slightly, domestic animation spending increased 79%, to over CAD96 million, compared to CAD53 million in 2007. Overall numbers of domestic television and film projects were also up, by 75% and 4%, respectively.

“The film and television industry is changing at a phenomenal pace,” said David Paperny, president of Vancouver-based, Paperny Films. “The ability of BC companies to respond quickly and adapt to both economic and technological change are the defining characteristics of our industry and they will drive the industry's success over the long term.”

The 2008 provincial budget raised the tax credits rates in the province, while the 2009 budget eliminated the expiry dates and expanded eligibility criteria for domestic credits. These policy changes are the latest moves by a government committed to growing this important industry in BC.

“The coming year looks equally promising and I attribute our success to careful planning among industry and government partners. By maintaining competitiveness and encouraging investment, BC's production industry can continue to build its contribution to BC's growing knowledge based economy,” added Leitch.