Just two years after the film and TV industry in B.C. rallied to save jobs and attract productions, the City of Vancouver has bounced back in 2015, reaching record-setting levels.
Productions within the city increased 40 per cent from 2014 to 2015 showing that Vancouver has few signs of slowing down.
With 235 productions in 2014, that number increased to 353 productions, with a total of 1,518 film days for 2015.
The film industry has been a major contributor to the city’s economy.
“Deadpool spent over $40 million during 58 days of filming in Metro Vancouver. The production hired over 2,000 local cast and crew, spending more than $19 million in wages,” according to the City of Vancouver.
Last weekend Deadpool set the record for biggest R-rated opening of all time. Executive producer, John J. Kelly said Vancouver was the city that made the movie happen. “When originally looking for a city to shoot this film, Vancouver had the most attractive elements including an active and supportive film-friendly city staff, amazing locations, and well-experienced local crew,” he said in the release.
With the immense support of Warner Bros., known as “Vancouver’s biggest TV client”, the television industry in the city is also booming with production on shows including Arrow, The Flash and Supernatural.
The city’s film branch said it will continue to work closely with the film industry in order to keep the community happy while supporting future productions.
With the success of TV and film production in Vancouver climbing, and with January 2016 film permits up by 30 per cent, the city hopes this trend will continue.