Film and television production in British Columbia increased more than 50 per cent over 2004, contributing $1.2 billion to the provincial economy in 2005.
March 13, 2006
VANCOUVER – Film and television production in British Columbia increased more than 50 per cent over 2004, contributing $1.2 billion to the provincial economy in 2005, Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich announced today at a keynote address to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
“This level of film and television production has not been seen since 2003 – our strongest year ever,” said Ilich. “That fact that this sector has performed so well against a strong Canadian dollar shows our film and television industry is second-to-none with its world-class facilities, skilled crews and diverse locations.”
“2004 was a challenging year for motion picture production but we have all worked hard to ensure that B.C. remains highly competitive in the global marketplace,” said Peter Leitch, chair of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and president of Lions Gate Studios. “The provincial government’s film and television tax credits helped us greatly in our efforts and reflect government’s support of B.C.’s film and television industry and its role in fostering job creation and economic growth.”
B.C.’s film and television industry experienced a major turnaround in 2005, reaching $1.233 billion, up from $801 million in 2004. According to data released today by the BC Film Commission, more than 200 productions were completed in B.C. in 2005. These include: 63 feature films, 31 television series, 37 movies-of-the-week, 15 television pilots, five miniseries, 20 documentaries, 16 short films and 24 animation projects. Domestic spending in 2005 grew to $225 million, up from $214 million in 2004, and foreign expenditures increased to more than $1 billion.
British Columbia is the third-largest film and television service production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York.
