Early Creative BC insights project that 2023 production spending by film and television projects in B.C. was in the range of $2.3B, down 29% overall from $3.3B in 2022

Early Creative BC insights project that 2023 production spending by film and television projects in B.C. was in the range of $2.3B, down 29% overall from $3.3B in 2022.

Figures may be further reduced should productions with intent to apply not materialize as incomplete and/or cancelled production activities continue to be revealed by tax credit administration data. These ongoing adjustments are results of market influences including 1) 2023 strike impacts of both the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and 2) a global reduction in the count and volume of projects being undertaken by foreign studios due to the end of Peak TV, corporate restructuring, and what is being termed as a general industry “reset” that combines a variety of trends and changes in the production of entertainment content.

These best, most current available insights for 2023 reflect that domestic production was down in volume by 9% and foreign production was down in volume by at least 32% when including productions with intent to do business in B.C.

B.C.’s domestic producers experienced a transformative year. RICEBOY SLEEPS premiered to critical acclaim and earned a place among Letterboxd’s top-rated feature dramas, alongside major titles like OPPENHEIMER, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, and PAST LIVES. Director Kim Albright’s WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN debuted to acclaim at SXSW. Lark Production’s filmed the anticipated CBC series “Allegiance” in association with Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Multiple projects funded by Creative BC’s historic Production Program received critical acclaim and attention. Experimental Forest Film’s SEAGRASS garnered attention at TIFF and secured a theatrical release across Canada. Sean Devlin’s ASOG captivated audiences globally, receiving recognition at Cannes Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and SXSW Sydney. Mongrel Media added Ann Marie Fleming’s CAN I GET A WITNESS? starring Sandra Oh to their international slate.

British Columbia’s reputation for excellence in foreign location services was reflected in the globally recognized productions opting to film in the province in 2023. These included Lionsgate Films’ MOTHER LAND, featuring Halle Berry, and the announcement of the highly anticipated Walt Disney feature TRON: ARES, starring Jared Leto and Greta Lee. A significant milestone was achieved as A24, renowned for its innovative independent films, filmed its inaugural feature in the province with HERETIC, starring Hugh Grant. Additionally, the anticipation soared with the announcement of HBO’s adaptation of “The Last of Us” moving production to the province for season two of the acclaimed series.

See more highlights and learn about motion picture production in British Columbia:

2023 Film and TV Production Statistics reflect production level estimates for the last 3 calendar years based on Creative BC motion picture tax credit applications data.

Learn more

• Motion Picture Tax Credit Reports
• 2022 Film and TV Production Statistics – Early production level estimates for the last three calendar years based on insights from Creative BC motion picture tax credit applications data.

British Columbia’s motion picture industry connects motion picture tax credit report insights with additional complimentary measures including Creative BC’s CIERA™ measurement tool and Canadian Media Producers Association’s Profile Report