Squamish filming up in 2012 to the tune of $1.5m economic impact

The District of Squamish facilitated 22 film productions during 2012, compared to just 14 productions in 2011, resulting in over $1.5 million in direct economic benefit to the community, and putting Squamish on international screens. Productions ranged from feature films and TV movies to mini-series, series, commercials and a student film. Looking ahead to 2013, one production is confirmed to start filming later this month and three more productions are currently scouting around town.

“The film industry is an important contributor to our local economy and one that the District of Squamish has supported and facilitated for close to twenty years,” says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “Squamish has earned a well-deserved reputation of being accommodating and welcoming to the industry and this has translated directly into economic benefits to the community. We appreciate all the efforts of local businesses and residents to accommodate productions to ensure this important industry continues to grow.”

Managing the requirements of the productions­- which can often change as the shoots transpire, and the needs of affected residents and businesses is sometimes a balancing act. This is especially true in downtown, one of the most popular locations to shoot. During one three-day period in October, three productions were located within three blocks of each other in downtown Squamish – ‘Horns’, featuring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame, ‘No Clue’, a Canadian film starring Brent Butt from Corner Gas, Amy Smart and David Koechner, and ‘Profile for Murder’.

In advance of providing the necessary approvals, the District requires that film productions communicate with affected businesses or residents to gain their support. This can sometimes result in compensation for loss of business from the production, if the business is adversely affected and if historical sales data can prove this.

“Filming is an art form, and often takes on a life of its own once the shoot gets underway requiring productions to make last minute adjustments for weather, talent, story development, etc.,” continues Kirkham. “We recognize this can be a challenge to residents and businesses that may need to adjust to any revised plans.”

Location fees are not charged for productions to operate on non-revenue generating District property (exceptions include the Brennan Park Recreation Centre and the Airport). The measured $1.5 million economic impact results from expenditures by the production company that may include (but are not limited to): hotel accommodation, transportation, restaurants and groceries, location fees paid to residents or businesses, hiring liaisons, construction, cost recovery for District services, local equipment rentals or prop purchases, extras hired etc.

The District initiated a survey tool in 2012 to measure benefits from the film industry to the local economy, as well as to understand overall satisfaction levels with the experience of filming in Squamish.

With close to 60% of the productions responding to the voluntary survey, Squamish received positive feedback. When asked how satisfied they were with services provided by the District of Squamish, location managers gave Squamish an average rating of 4.73 out of 5, and included comments such as: ‘permitting and shooting always goes very well in Squamish,’ ‘we always appreciate the superb support of the District,’ and “excellent experience in Squamish, as usual!”  100% of respondents said they would recommend Squamish to other location managers. The District does not employ a dedicated film industry liaison per se. The work is currently coordinated through the Communications department with assistance from Engineering to coordinate street use etc.

The District of Squamish, residents, and local businesses have earned an outstanding reputation for being a welcoming and supportive community toward the film industry, and the District’s long-standing, film-friendly policies and easy permitting processes have proven attractive to location scouts and managers. The District has a close working relationship with the BC Film Commission (BCFC), and has invited the BCFC to address Council on the state of the film industry and opportunities facing Squamish on February 12 during the Committee of the Whole meeting. The District will also participate in the upcoming Inside Edge forum on the opportunities facing the Squamish film industry on January 24.

January 14, 2013

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