What's Happening in Burnaby, BC…

The film and television industry has long played an important role in Burnaby’s economy, and with the low Canadian dollar, this has become even more apparent.

The low loonie has made it even more economical for the motion picture industry to film in the city and surrounding area and, according to Canadian Motion Picture Park President Alec Fatalevich, the community has a lot that makes it attractive. The government provides support to filmmakers, there is a talented and well trained pool of crew members available, and high quality studios and other facilities on hand.

The city is also willing to do what it can to accommodate filming. It will close off streets, allow them to use parks, and make it as easy as possible for filmmakers to work in the area.

These factors have combined to increase the number of projects being shot in Burnaby, and there are currently over 5,000 people directly employed by the industry, with 100 local firms, such as printing companies, that provide direct support.

Add to this the number of businesses, such as car rental companies, food service providers, building supply companies, and grocery stores that derive spin off benefits, and this is likely good news for the city.

Burnaby’s mayor Derek Corrigan remarked that he feels that the number of filmmakers in the area will continue to increase so long as the dollar stays low.