MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION UP $250 MILLION IN 2008

VICTORIA – Motion picture production spending in British Columbia in 2008 was $1.2 billion, an increase of more than $250 million over 2007, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett announced today.

“Our province continues to be a top location in the global film and television industries, with our stunning locations, skilled professional workforce and world-class motion picture infrastructure,” said Bennett. “Even in these challenging economic times, the work we’ve put into strengthening and diversifying B.C.’s economy means that motion picture production and many other industries will continue to grow and thrive.”

According to data released today by the BC Film Commission, total motion picture production spending and numbers of projects in British Columbia in 2008 are up almost 30 percent over 2007, with the majority of the increase in foreign feature film activity. This sector totalled $442 million in 2008, an increase of 146 percent or $262 million over 2007.

“We were very fortunate to have increased our production activity and industry employment in B.C. last year, particularly when economic circumstances proved trying for so many sectors including ours,” said Peter Leitch, chair of Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC and president of Mammoth and North Shore Studios.

While domestic spending as a whole decreased slightly, domestic animation spending increased 79 per cent, to over $96 million, compared to $53 million in 2007. Overall numbers of domestic television and film projects were also up, by 75 per cent and four per cent, respectively.

“The film and television industry is changing at a phenomenal pace,” said David Paperny, president of Vancouver-based, Paperny Films. “The ability of B.C. companies to respond quickly and adapt to both economic and technological change are the defining characteristics of our industry and they will drive the industry's success over the long term.”

The 2008 provincial budget raised the tax credits rates in the province, while the 2009 budget eliminated the expiry dates and expanded eligibility criteria for domestic credits. These policy changes are the latest moves by a government committed to growing this important industry in B.C.

“The coming year looks equally promising and I attribute our success to careful planning among industry and government partners. By maintaining competitiveness and encouraging investment, BC's production industry can continue to build its contribution to BC's growing knowledge based economy,” added Leitch.

British Columbia is home to the third-largest film and television service production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York, markets which both saw drops in overall shooting days in 2008. In Canada, the next largest service production centre is Ontario, with total production spending of $671 million in 2008. For a representation of the annual statistics in table form, see http://www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca/DisplayEventDetails.aspx?eventId=438.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	David Greer Communications Manager Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts 250 387-2799

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