Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
British Columbia is rolling out the red carpet in recognition of the valuable contribution that the screen-based industries add to the province’s economy by officially proclaiming Sept. 21, 2016, as “Screen in B.C. Day”.
Today, representatives from the provincial government, Creative BC, the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia, the Canadian Media Producers Association, as well as industry stakeholders, celebrated the day with the unveiling of an official proclamation. Events honouring contributions to the creative economy were held in Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria.
(flickr.com) As part of the day’s celebrations, Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, along with representatives from government and industry, toured Rainmaker Entertainment, which specializes in CGI animation and visual effects, producing feature-length film and DVD projects including Ratchet & Clank, the Barbie series, and Escape From Planet Earth.
Bond also visited the Vancouver Film Studios and the set of Warner Brothers’ DC Comics The Flash, currently in its third season. The Vancouver Film Studios is home to 12 purpose-built sound stages and a suite of support services that provides film makers with the latest tools in production technology. Located on over 14 hectares of land, the Vancouver Film Studios has hosted more than 100 feature films and television series. The Vancouver Film Studios has a staff of 50, although with production activity, this number expands to between approximately 1,500 and 2,000 people working on the various productions.
Over the last five years, British Columbia has grown to become one of the world’s largest clusters for visual effects and digital animation companies, confirming the province’s reputation as a global full-service production centre, capable of performing the complete spectrum of services required for major productions.
Known for excellence in original content, physical production, post production, interactive gaming, visual effects and animation, British Columbia’s motion-picture industry supports approximately 25,000 direct and indirect quality jobs that make up a talented, highly experienced and knowledge-driven workforce.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –
“British Columbia has earned its reputation as one of the North America’s busiest centres for screen entertainment production. With our diverse and scenic locations, advanced industry infrastructure and a rich talent pool, B.C. has become a hub for creation and innovation. I am pleased to celebrate Screen in B.C. Day as a way to recognize the fantastic work by the industry’s talented workforce in British Columbia.”
Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –
“We know B.C. is one of the top centres for screen-production in North America, with the motion picture industry employing 25,000 people alone in both direct and indirect jobs. I am proud to be here today for the 2nd Screen in B.C. Day, celebrating the contributions of our creative community, and also acknowledging the strong economic impact on our provincial economy as a result of their hard work.”
Prem Gill, chief executive officer, Creative BC –
“British Columbia has world-class studios, including over 100 stages. As we continue to grow as a hub for film and entertainment in the country, it's necessary that we invest in innovative solutions, such as converted spaces like the Canada Post building, to meet this increasing demand. We have a deep and talented pool of cast, crew VFX artists and animators that benefit greatly from these collaborative efforts, and we're excited to celebrate this all through Screen in B.C. Day.”
Peter Leitch, Motion Picture Production Industry Association of B.C. –
“We’re proud to come together with our partners in government to recognize the role of B.C.’s screen entertainment production industry as a key driver of the province’s creative sector. In B.C. we have a strong public-private strategy for growth and sustainability that leverages our natural competitive advantages. Together we have built one of North America’s foremost centres for production with an exciting future in B.C.’s knowledge driven economy.”
Liz Shorten, managing vice president, Canadian Media Producers Association, B.C. –
“Screen in B.C. Day is a great way to showcase fantastic companies like Rainmaker Entertainment who are part of a growing animation and VFX sector that contributes to our diversified provincial economy.”
Kim Dent Wilder, senior vice president of Production and Operations, Rainmaker Entertainment –
“Rainmaker and Mainframe are proud to have been founding members of both the CG animation and visual effects communities! Having started ReBoot in a hotel with a handful of people over 20 years ago, over the years we have employed thousands of artists, technical and support crew, some of whom are still thriving at the studio today. Others have gone on to create their own production companies and create even more jobs.”
Pete Mitchell, president and chief operating officer, Vancouver Film Studio –
“We are very proud that British Columbia has emerged as a key destination for screen based investment both from abroad and domestically – it demonstrates strong confidence in our creative community. With over $200 million in infrastructure dedicated to the industry, Vancouver Film Studios is excited to play our part in that success.”
Quick Facts:
- British Columbia is the third largest full-service production centre in North America with an outstanding infrastructure of studios for physical production as well as a deep pool of experienced cast and crew who can service more than 50 projects simultaneously.
- B.C. film and television production expenditures reached an estimated $2 billion in fiscal years 2015-16 and 2014-15, compared to $1.45 billion in fiscal 2013-14.
- This year, Creative BC approved tax credit certifications for 297 projects, up slightly from the year before.
- The digital media subsector is also experiencing strong growth in B.C., and is currently comprised of over 1,100 companies employing over 16,000 people.
- Digital media generates total revenue of $3 billion annually.
- This immense growth is one reason why the digital-media subsector will be highlighted as one of four new sectors to watch in the upcoming BC Jobs Plan 5 Year Update.
- The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan – and key to building a competitive, diversified, export-oriented economy.
- B.C.’s technology sector is growing faster than the overall economy. In 2014, it grew at a rate of 3.3%, a higher rate than the 2.9% growth observed in the provincial economy.
(flickr.com) Learn More:
Creative BC: http://www.creativebc.com/
#BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/
B.C. 2025 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/ihWM304484I
Resources for job seekers and employers in B.C.: https://www.workbc.ca/
