British Columbia is one of the most popular choices for film production in Canada, and a surge in filming in the Columbia Valley is bringing significant economic benefits to the region.
When active scouting took place in the Valley for two potential projects to start filming in late 2024, Columbia Valley Community Economic Development (CVCEDO) and its partners realized they needed to work quickly to ensure the valley was the location of choice for these productions.
With financial support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), CVCEDO was able to hire a Film Coordinator on contract to help bring the productions to the area. Theresa Wood, an economic development contractor for CVCEDO, spoke with ETSI-BC about the initiative.
What was the impetus for this project?
Theresa: Filming has been going on in the Valley since the early 1900s, from Canadian history films to adventure stories and comedies. Over the years, strong partnerships evolved between CVCEDO and regional partners – the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, the Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Society, and the Kootenay Film Commission, which has created a foundation of services and resources to support the industry.
The opportunity to host two new productions required us to educate and prepare our communities for several weeks of filming. Funding provided by ETSI-BC enabled us to hire a Film Coordinator for six months to help us do this.
How did the project evolve?
Tracy Bruns, a location manager in Invermere, was hired as Film Coordinator and took the lead on designing the entire strategy, from meeting with businesses and residents on what to expect when crews are filming, to streamlining the Columbia Valley Film Application process. Working with Tracy, I also received training in film production to augment my economic development experience.
Was the project a success?
Our first success was securing “All Night Wrong”, a comedy shot mostly in Radium Hot Springs. This one project generated major investment into the regional economy in the form of wages, contractor fees, accommodation, food and other purchases by crew members, and local fees to film in commercial spaces and houses. A portion of the filming took place on Shuswap Band First Nation land and discussions are now taking place with the Shuswap and Akisqnuk First Nations regarding film industry training and career opportunities for their members.
Forty-nine businesses were directly supported during this production, including seven caterers. In addition, 20 locations were visited during scouting and three accommodators housed cast and crew. Nineteen locations were added to the Reel-Scout international film library, 18 of which were businesses. We were also able to expand our selection of scouting materials used to attract film projects.
What was the response from Columbia Valley residents and businesses to increased filming in the region?
Unlike some areas that experience “film fatigue” when filming is consistent and intense, our community members embraced the opportunities the productions could provide. Many businesses said they enjoyed meeting the crews and seeing them out and about.
How else do you measure the success of the project?
The second film, “Stranger in Town” was filmed last year in the Columbia Valley and in Maple Ridge in the Lower Mainland. Both films created jobs for locals, supported our economy during a slow time of year, and cemented a long-term strategy to continue to attract new films to the area.
In addition, many businesses have since looked at expanding their offerings to support local film production. A road flagging company began offering barricade rentals, for example, and there is interest from food providers to offer catering services which provide snacks and first aid for casts and crews.
Will the Columbia Valley film industry be ready for the next opportunity?
Yes, absolutely. When a new production opportunity comes up, it can happen really fast. The Columbia Valley is ready with the leadership and resources to drive this sector to become a major growth opportunity for our region.