Vancouver second best place in North America for movie makers to live and work

Gregor Robertson
Photo by Chandra Bodalia

THE City of Vancouver has been ranked as the second best place in North America for movie makers to live and work.
As one of the largest centres for film and television production in North America, the city of Vancouver hosts over 400 productions a year. The industry provides approximately 19,000 jobs per year and pays over $409,000,000 in salaries to Vancouver residents.
“It’s great to hear that Vancouver is once again being recognized as one of the top places to live and work as a movie maker,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Vancouver’s reputation as ‘Hollywood North’ – an international hub for the film and television industry – has only grown in recent years, thanks to our city’s world-class technical and creative talent, robust film infrastructure, strong local economy, and abundant backdrops of natural beauty. With over 42,000 jobs in film and television located right here in B.C.— 80 per cent of which are in the Metro Vancouver area—we look forward to supporting the continued growth of the industry, attracting new productions and welcoming more movie makers to Vancouver.”
The City noted that its Film Office works to help balance the needs of the film industry, the public and its stakeholders, and this collaborative effort, patience and support from residents and business owners helps keep the industry vibrant in Vancouver.
“This is an incredible honour for Vancouver to remain in the top two and to be ranked the best place in Canada. It is a testament to the businesses and residents who let the cameras roll, as well as the work of the City and Park Board,” said Sandi Swanigan, Senior Manager, Film and Special Events.
“What is equally important to recognize is that this award belongs to all of the municipalities in our region who support the film industry. No production films only in Vancouver; they film from Port Moody to Surrey to Squamish. The Vancouver brand is a regional one.”
A bid for the coveted title was submitted to Movie Maker Magazine by the City of Vancouver in recognition of the significant filming that takes place in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
The full Movie Maker Magazine article can be found here<https://www.moviemaker.com/archives/best_of/best-places-to-live-and-work-as-a-moviemaker-2018-big-cities/3>.