B.C. is playing itself more often in movies and shows, boosting local industry, film insiders say

British Columbia has long been a popular filming location, standing in for various cities and even different countries in films and television shows. Vancouver has often portrayed Seattle, New York, and other fictional communities, while Kamloops has played California, Smithers as Antarctica, and Victoria as Massachusetts.

However, the trend of setting and filming projects in the province itself is on the rise, much to the delight of crews and local cinephiles. One such example is the CBC production “Allegiance,” which was filmed and set in Surrey, British Columbia. Executive producer Tex Antonucci, a B.C. native, highlighted the pride crews feel when working on projects in their home communities.

B.C. has a long history of playing itself in various productions, such as “Da Vinci’s Inquest” and the sci-fi series “Continuum.” Vancouver, in particular, has earned the nickname “Hollywood North” due to its diverse filming locations and talented local crews, according to B.C. film commissioner Marnie Gee.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in projects set and filmed in British Columbia. Works like “Riceboy Sleeps,” “Fakes,” “Family Law,” and “Under the Bridge” have all showcased the province’s beauty on screen.

Actor and director Omari Newton, head of the acting department at Vancouver Film School, emphasized the importance of telling stories set in B.C. to increase exposure for the local film industry. He noted that Canadian actors often have to adopt American accents to cater to a broader audience base, but showcasing the province as itself can be a unique selling point.

Big names like Seth Rogen and Ryan Reynolds, who have shown hometown pride by filming in Vancouver, have helped raise the city’s profile in the film industry. Newton hopes that more industry insiders will advocate for setting projects in British Columbia, as it can lead to more opportunities for local talent.

Tax incentives and support from the province and local governments also play a crucial role in bringing local stories to the screen. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey recently announced an increase in tax incentives for international and Canadian-made film projects, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the industry.

With over 47,000 people working in TV and film production in British Columbia and the industry contributing $3.3 billion to the province’s economy annually, there is no doubt that setting more projects in B.C. will benefit both the local industry and the province as a whole.