New numbers show that budgeted motion picture production expenditures in B.C. reached an estimated $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2016-17, an all-time high for the industry.

The latest figures from Creative BC represent a more than 35% increase over budgeted production spending in 2015-16. Creative BC approved 338 tax-credit certifications with total budgeted expenditures in British Columbia estimated at $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2016-17, compared to 297 tax-credit certifications and $1.9 billion in budgeted expenditures in 2015-16.

"Creative BC plays an essential role in strengthening British Columbia's motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and publishing sectors. I am excited to see this more than 35% increase in the film and TV industry over the past year," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, "This means greater opportunities for more British Columbians in the new economy. Our government is committed to an economy that works for people. I look forward to working with our partners to grow the success of this industry."

"B.C.'s motion picture industry has earned a global reputation for excellence in the screen-based industries," said Prem Gill, chief executive officer of Creative BC. "From physical production to VFX and animation, our talent, industry expertise and robust infrastructure deliver the world's highest quality content."

"We are tremendously proud of all we have accomplished together in British Columbia's motion picture industry," said Peter Leitch, North Shore Studios president and chair of the Motion Picture Production Industry of Association BC. "We will continue to realize and sustain our success through ongoing innovation, collaboration and partnership between industry and government."

"It is a time of unprecedented change as well as opportunity for B.C. producers and content creators in the screen-based industries," added Liz Shorten, senior vice-president, Canadian Media Producers Association. "The success of our province's motion picture industry positions us well to increase our presence at home, nationally and around the globe."

Creative BC is the independent agency responsible for promoting the development of creative industries in British Columbia, providing a single point of access for industry programming, production-support services, tax-credit administration, international marketing and policy development.

Learn More:

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