City of Vancouver says film and TV industry booming

The number of film and TV productions in Vancouver increased by 40 per cent from the previous year, says the city — and there may be even more growth in store for 2016. 

"As one of Vancouver's high-growth industries, film is a big contributor to our nation-leading economic growth," said Mayor Gregor Robertson in a written statement.

"Vancouver is home to world-leading talent in the film industry and the city is committed to supporting all levels and aspects of production."

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The city says it earned $710,000 in street-use permits alone in 2015. The economic benefits extend to those making a living in the industry.

The feature film Deadpool hired more than 2,000 local cast and crew to the tune of $19 million in wages, says the city. In all, it says 26 feature films were produced in Vancouver last year.

And according to Sandi Swanigan, the city's senior manager for film and special events, this year is already shaping up to be even stronger. She said January was already 30 per cent busier than the "record-breaking" 2015. 

"As far as I can tell every person who knows how to work in this business is working right now and bringing great economic benefit to this town," she said.

The production boom is hitting such an all-time high, she said, that some facilities may be getting close to reaching capacity.

"It will be interesting to see if we're at saturation," she said. "All in the industry, here in the city and in other municipalities, are interested to see what that capacity could be."

Although she admits the low Canadian dollar has had a big part in the boom, she said the region's amazing locations, fantastic facilities and supportive residents have gone a long way towards making Vancouver a major contender in the competitive film business.