Eby says his plan will boost B.C.’s competitive advantage in film production

David Eby

AFTER touring film and television sets at Martini Studios in Langley, David Eby on Saturday announced his plan to grow good-paying jobs in the film industry in B.C.

“Film production in B.C. has taken a big hit over the last few years–from the pandemic,  labour disruptions south of the border, and changes to the way industry does business,” said Eby. “We’re going to take action to respond to this new reality and get thousands of talented workers new opportunities. Our plan will boost Hollywood North’s competitive advantage to confirm B.C. as the destination of choice to tell the stories we love to watch.”

Eby’s plan will expand British Columbia’s film and television industry by significantly boosting support to attract international productions. This is expected to create 7,000 additional jobs–highly-skilled workers who build sets, design costumes, hair and make-up, frame images, record dialogue, edit scenes, and the actors who bring the stories to life.

To strengthen B.C.’s competitiveness, Eby will increase the Production Services Tax Credit and Film Incentive BC refund to 36 percent to hire BC film workers.

Eby called on Ottawa to do more to help production in B.C. Although the B.C. and Ontario industries are roughly equal in size, the Canada Media Fund uses the broadcast fees it generates from British Columbians to subsidize productions in other provinces. It heavily favours eastern producers, contributing to 18,000 jobs in Ontario and less than 4,000 in British Columbia.

“It’s long past time for Ottawa to stop short-changing our expert B.C. film crews,” Eby added. “If our team earns the trust of British Columbians in this election, I’ll keep fighting to get a fair return for what we contribute in federal taxes–whether it’s support for our film industry, to grow our clean economy, or to build large infrastructure projects to keep B.C. moving. We deserve a lot better.”

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