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For the first time since 2003, B.C. filmmakers can now access $1.4M for production activities

Jun 22, 2021

The program gives companies financing assistance for the production phase of their longer form projects – whether a scripted feature length film, a documentary, a factual one-off, or a series. B.C. resident individuals or B.C.-owned and controlled production companies can apply for grants of up to $150,000 that cover a variety of activities. Production budget items that qualify include crew wages, production design, costumes, live sets and studios fees, as well as those for technical finishing and editing, supporting B.C. filmmakers to ready their projects for broadcast, sale and distribution. Developed in close consultation with industry, program guidelines are now published and available on the Creative BC website.

Importantly, the program’s aim is to support filmmakers in creating market-ready content without the need to secure an investor or broadcaster to apply, which can be a significant hurdle for many producers in B.C. By removing this barrier, the program increases access for new and diverse producers, allowing them to focus on creating new projects and acting as a catalyst for other national funding opportunities.

This program is the second under the B.C. government’s $2-million investment in Reel Focus BC. More programs will roll out this year.

 

Quotes:

Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport: “B.C. creators are our storytellers, our truth tellers. Our government is investing in them so they can share their stories with the world. By supporting production costs we’re opening doors for our local producers to access more funding. I’m excited to see these project take shape and help grow our sector.” 

Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film: “Local filmmakers tell stories that reflect British Columbians. But local filmmakers often have a much harder time securing funding to produce their projects. I’m so proud our government stepped up and is providing production support for the first time in almost 20 years. This is how we build back better.”

Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC: “After extensive industry consultation, we are thrilled to be announcing this program as the first to support B.C. filmmakers’ actual production activities in 18 years. This program will allow B.C. filmmakers to complete market-ready projects, and trigger opportunities to apply for national funding.”

Tracey Friesen, Managing VP, Canadian Media Producers Association, BC Branch: “Provincial investment in domestic production will reap ongoing benefits, both cultural and economic. Independent B.C. producers are creative and entrepreneurial, keen to leverage this crucial support to solidify projects that will employ British Columbians – and delight the world.”

 

Quick Facts:

  • The CMPA-BC has more than 130 member companies of all sizes, producing all genres, throughout the province.
  • B.C.’s overall production industry contributes $2.41B Total GDP to B.C.’s economy, with 35,332 full-time equivalent jobs and up to 65,000 people working in the industry

Learn more:

Media Contact
Lisa Escudero, Creative BC
media@creativebc.com 
604-730-2235

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ABOUT CREATIVE BC

Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The society delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.’s creative economy. These activities include: administration of the provincial government’s motion picture tax credit programs; delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector; and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.’s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental and creative potential both at home and globally. Website: www.creativebc.com

 

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