Momentum is growing for more movie production in Kelowna
More and more movies are being filmed here in what’s turning out to be a growing film industry in the Okanagan.
“How busy was [this past filming season]? It was the busiest I’ve had,” Jon Summerland, Okanagan film commissioner told Kelowna10.
“So, 30 plus productions, two going on right now, and one more before Christmas.”
Like many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic proved difficult for film. Summerland explained a deliberate strategy was used during the height of lockdowns to continue the growing investment in Kelowna.
The film board brought crews to quarantine in local resorts for the required two weeks. Because they were making wedding-centered movies, they were able to do all their work right at the venue they were already staying at.
Summerland credits that strategy, in part, to more productions from Hallmark and Lifetime movies. They’re filming more Christmas movies at locations like Big White, the Rotary Centre for the Arts, El Dorado resort, and more.
Because infrastructure is establishing itself here, the Okanagan is becoming a place to not just visit, but to centre a production.
Another factor bringing film investment is that high profile talents are choosing to live here. Summerland told Kelowna10 director Neill Blomkamp lives in the Okanagan.
Blomkamp has made major Hollywood movies like Chappie, District 9, and Elysium. Here he’s made Demonic in 2021 and Oats Studios which is available on Netflix.
Many U.S. film companies come to take advantage of the stronger American dollar. But according to Summerland, even when the Canadian dollar is doing well, it’s still good news for movies in Kelowna.
A lot of filming takes place in Vancouver. Summerland noted the last time the loonie was close to par with the U.S. dollar film companies chose to film here instead because it was more affordable for them.
The growing industry here is not just good news for actors and directors. Summerland said it’s good for the economy as a whole.
“[Everything from] accommodation, then restaurants, then Home Depot because they’re selling stuff to build sets and props,” he said
“Trucks are being rented all from here ... How many Starbucks runs do they do a day? How much food is delivered? There’s so many things.”
Published 2021-11-14 by David Hanson
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