How our community and filmmaking thrive together  

If you live in the District, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of a famous actor in the community or seen a movie, Netflix series, or commercial being shot in one of our popular filming locations, like the Murdo Frazer cabin or the Lynn Canyon rainforest. Or maybe you’ve even rented your home to a film production.  

Our community is not just a backdrop for film companies. We offer highly skilled crews and top-notch production facilities along with unique locations. But we also benefit from filmmaking’s significant contributions to our community. 

In addition to the permit revenue the District receives, the film industry creates high-paying jobs for many District residents and boosts the local economy, providing indirect benefits for local businesses in retail, hospitality, accommodation, tourism, transportation, and more. 

Here is a closer look: 

Increased economic activity and community investment 

  • Along with the significant permit revenue, local businesses, residents, and community organizations receive direct payments for using private assets, loss of business or inconvenience related to filming  
  • In recent years, film productions have contributed towards park and street restorations in the District 
  • Film productions provide support for community events and make contributions to local business associations  

Local employment opportunities and bursaries  

  • Each year, film productions contribute to the District’s Youth in Film programs, such as the annual bursary which allows us to offer monetary support for youth entering the film industry as a career 
  • North Vancouver is a hotbed for filming in the region due to stunning film locations, major film studio facilities and a strong pipeline in both production and post-production talent. 
  • North Vancouver is home to both North Shore Studios, which boasts eight stages and 130,000 square feet of production space, and the Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts, offering a bachelor’s degree and an array of certificates and diplomas in digital imaging and motion picture production. 
  • The B.C. film sector accounted for $4.5 billion in spending in 2022 (Creative BC). Over 50% of this spending is allocated to wages and 80% of sector activity is concentrated in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region. 

An Airstream trailer is parked in the woods with a chair sitting in front of it. A glowing sign reads: Goblin Market.

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