The British Columbia film sector received a big boost last month when the province announced more than $2.2 million in government funding.
Locally the organization that receives this annual funding is the Kootenay Columbia Film Region. This year they’ll receive $30,000.
The money will go towards filmmakers, TV producers, digital technology companies, and other organizations that support the sector.
According to a news release from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, it’s using the funding to help promote British Columbia to filmmakers around the globe and support productions in regions throughout the province.
Even though Vancouver has become known as Hollywood North, the Kootenays have gained popularity as a location for films and TV production.
“We are here as the sort of first line when there is interest for productions to shoot in the region,” said Joanna Maratta, liaison for the Kootenay Columbia Film Commission.
“That includes anyone looking to bring productions like TV, film or commercial work.”
Over the years the commission has helped many major productions film in different locations around the region, providing valuable support like location scouting and locals who are trained to work on film sets.
“We usually land one [major production] in the Nelson area every couple years, and there has been a run on Fernie as of late,” said Maratta.
“I represent a big region, but the biggest areas of interest tend to be the major cities. Of course Nelson and Fernie also have a look that’s very popular.”
The purpose of film commissions throughout the province is to provide services to help stimulate economical development, by trying to attract film production into the region.
“Our motto is film friendly and film ready, and we do have a good crew base in Nelson and also in the region,” she said.
“This has really helped us, and it’s one of the things that has allowed movies like The Tall Man to shoot their entire movie here.”
Maratta said there are always openings for people who work in the film industry to send in their resumes and be put on the crew list.
Or if you think you might have a great piece of property that you would like to one day be used on a film set, the commission would be happy to hear from you.
“We are always looking to update our files and looking for unusual features to promote the region,” said Maratta.
For more information about the commission, email Maratta at info@kcfilm.ca.