It’s been a while since I posted! I’ve been hustling in the Vancouver film and TV industry, working hard just to keep working. My reward? I’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible large-format shows like Yellowjackets, Happy Face, and Percy Jackson. More recently, I joined Sepia Films, an independent production company known for Murder in a Small Town.
Over the past six months, I’ve had countless conversations with producers and development executives, offering me a front-row seat to the shifting landscape of film work in Vancouver.
Fewer Shows and Smaller Crews in Vancouver
There’s no denying it: Vancouver’s once-bustling film industry is slowing down. Fewer shows are being filmed, and writers rooms and the crews on set are getting smaller. This is partly due to rising wage costs from recent contract negotiations and streamers tightening their budgets. Additionally, Vancouver faces stiff competition from regions like Georgia and parts of Europe that offer more attractive tax incentives, drawing productions away.
While tax breaks have always been one of Vancouver’s key selling points, the global industry has evolved, and other regions are simply outcompeting British Columbia with more lucrative offers.
Why Greater Investment in Canadian Content Is Crucial
Vancouver’s reliance on foreign productions leaves us vulnerable to industry trends that we have little control over. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in original Canadian content. By supporting local talent and stories, we can build a sustainable industry that doesn’t rely solely on U.S. service work. Canadian stories deserve more investment, and this can create lasting opportunities for both emerging and established filmmakers in Vancouver.
How Studios Are Adopting Indie Filmmaker Tactics
To combat rising costs, many big studios are starting to adopt strategies that indie filmmakers have been using for years. This includes working with smaller crews, limiting locations, and streamlining production processes. While this helps control budgets, it also reduces the number of jobs available, especially in large-scale productions that used to employ more crew members. The line between indie and big-budget productions is becoming blurrier than ever.
The Impact of Virtual Filmmaking on the Industry
Another significant change is the rise of virtual filmmaking technologies like Unreal Engine and virtual sets. These tools are revolutionizing both indie and big-budget filmmaking, making high-quality production more affordable. Vancouver, with its world-class post-production and VFX talent, is well-positioned to benefit from these innovations. However, staying competitive means embracing these technologies and integrating them into our production workflows.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Vancouver’s film industry is at a crossroads. To maintain our reputation as a global film hub, we must find a balance between attracting foreign productions with competitive tax incentives and fostering Canadian content creation. By doing so, we can reduce our dependence on U.S. service work and build a resilient, thriving industry that supports local filmmakers and tells Canadian stories.
