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.

As part of the celebrations, MLA Richard T. Lee was joined in Victoria by Kathleen Gilbert of the Vancouver Island South Media and Film Commission, and Allen Lewis, vice president of Production for Front Street Pictures, for a tour of the set of Front Street Pictures’ Rose Parade, a made for TV movie being filmed in and around the Capital Regional District.

Front Street Pictures is a Vancouver based company that films throughout the province, and specializes in a full range of production services including the development and production of original content. They are responsible for projects such as October Kiss, Garage Sale Mystery, and Love on the Sidelines. Front Street has completed over 262 hours of programming on 132 projects, and won 51 awards including several Emmys. 

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:

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North—

“I am happy to be here in Victoria celebrating Screen in B.C. Day on the set of Rose Parade. Films like these not only create quality original content, but also support many jobs for the local community.  I would like to thank Front Street Pictures and the Vancouver Island South Media and Film Commission for your dedication to B.C.’s creative industries.”

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.”

Kathleen Gilbert, Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission—

“The Film Industry on Vancouver Island is thriving. Production in 2015 was at a record high with over 20 productions choosing to film in Greater Victoria region alone. Our crew base is growing, more locals are finding high paying long term Industry jobs and the economic impact of the industry is substantial. We are looking forward to a very busy fall and winter season with several productions planning to roll cameras on the streets of Victoria. With several groups looking at opening a full service film studio within a year we, at the Film Commission, see only good times ahead.”

Allen Lewis, vice president of Production, Front Street Pictures—

“We are proud to be participating in the 2nd Screen in B.C. Day. British Columbia is world class in terms of technical expertise in the film industry and Front Street Pictures has prided itself on providing the first practical ‘on set’ experience for many young film makers. The crew base in Victoria is growing every year and the Island is quickly become the go to favourite for productions. We look forward to continuing to film on Vancouver Island, with its’ fabulous locations, friendly locals and growing technical expertise.”

Quick Facts:

• Front Street Pictures employs 15 full time staff, with another 75 crew working during production.
• Front Street Pictures produces content for feature films and TV series, with a main focus on TV movies— most notably Murder, She Baked series and Sign, Sealed, Delivered, which aired on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel.
• 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.

Learn More:

Creative BC: http://www.creativebc.com/

Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission: http://www.filmvictoria.com/

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

B.C. 2025 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/ihWM304484I

Resources for job seekers and employers in B.C.: https://www.workbc.ca/