Operation seduction in California for the BC film industry

A delegation of ministers and representatives from British Columbia’s film industry arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday to promote film and television production partnerships in a transforming sector around the world.

Led by the provincial film industry association, Screen BCthis delegation also includes Spencer Chandra HerbertMinister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports, Brenda BaileyMinister of Finance, and Nina KriegerParliamentary Secretary for Arts and Cinema.

When productions choose to film in our province, they provide opportunities for skilled workers and businesses, strengthening our economynoted Spencer Chandra Herbert in a press release.

Very recently appointed to David Eby’s new Cabinet, these ministers have chosen to prioritize the growth of this industry whileHollywood is currently deciding on its next season of TV series pilots.

We’re getting to work immediately to ensure the film industry continues to choose British Columbia as a premier destination for filmmakers from around the worldadded Brenda Bailey.

A welcome and welcomed initiative

Emmanuelle Rousseau, first camera assistant in Vancouver and member of the International Cinematographers Guild, local 669, welcomes the visit of this delegation to California.

The NPD had made promises for his re-election and he is moving forward. They are sending a delegation to increase tax credits so that there will be more production in British Columbia.

During the election campaign, Prime Minister David Eby promised to increase the tax credit offered to film productions from 28% to 36%. No announcement has been made in this regard for the moment.

With its diverse locations, growing infrastructure and skilled workforce, Surrey is a vital hub for production that drives economic development across the regionbelieves for his part Jasroop Gosalinterim spokesperson for the Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

A sector in crisis

The province’s film industry employs more than 47,500 people and generated $3.3 billion in spending in 2022. The same year, major American studios spent $1.7 billion on local production.

However, according to projections from the independent economic support agency for the arts sector, Creative BC, spending in the sector fell by 29% in 2023. In addition, foreign production in the province fell by 32% and production domestic by 9%.

There was a reduction in the studios, there were a lot of cutbacks, therefore fewer productions, and in addition the studios had produced too much, so there was a readjustmentbelieves Emmanuelle Rousseau.

There have been so many declines in production in recent years that everyone is offering more tax credits, so you have to stay up to date with what others are offering.she adds.

British Columbia still manages to attract major productions, such as that of season 1 of Shogun or season 2 of The Last of Us.

Local productions benefited from $909 million in tax credits in the year 2023-2024.