What's Happening in Burnaby, BC…

The council in Burnaby has been looking into the impact the film industry has on the city’s economy.

In order to investigate, a committee was organized with the sole purpose of looking into how things like employment and finance in the area had been affected by the presence of production companies last year.

In 2012, there were 131 films produced in the area, and the production companies directly employed 2,425 people, spending $408 million. At least 72 different local businesses provided materials and services.

Some of this money was spent on companies with direct links to movie creation, but there were also benefits for other businesses. Restaurants, hotels, office equipment suppliers and food service providers were just some which benefited by providing film makers with services and products. Printing companies were also called upon to provide custom-made materials, signage and other items.

The movie industry also provided a very welcome source of funds for the local school board, as many companies paid to use school buildings and playgrounds. This money was then used to improve the educational resources available to Burnaby students.

The value of this industry to the area isn’t just measured in dollars and cents, however. Many of the film companies provided gifts to the area’s parks and sporting fields. A new tennis court was built in Robert Burnaby Park, sports fields and roads were improved, and murals were painted to cover unsightly graffiti on walls.

While there has been something of a dip in the part of the economy this year, it is hoped that new tax incentives will help to improve the situation.