With film crews coming into the region, the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office (CVCEDO) team is glad to see their hard work paying off.
CVCEDO board member Pete Bourke says the team has been working to push the Columbia Valley as a prime filming location.
“It’s been on our radar for the last 12 to 18 months and a large catalyst to driving it was someone who is involved in the financing and production side of films who has been a long-time visitor of the Valley,” said Bourke.
“That combined with film being an emerging sector in B.C. and Canada, really gave us the drive to put some energy behind attracting film crews.”
A crew will be coming to the Columbia Valley to shoot for the upcoming film All Night Wrong, and Bourke says this is proof the CVCEDO efforts are paying off.
“We have such a diverse landscape that we can accommodate a variety of different styles of movies,” said Bourke.
“We hope the successful run with this production coming up will inspire a lot more to come behind it.”
Bourke says marketing the Columbia Valley as a prime shooting location parents an opportunity to grow the local economy.
“Film crews will obviously leverage a lot of local services like accommodations, caterers and supplies,” said Bourke.
“We’re going to try getting some training programs here, so if people want to be more involved and get certifications around film-specific roles and responsibilities, they will be able to do that. From a local economic stimulation standpoint, there should be a lot of benefits as well.”
If the film industry takes off in the region, Bourke says it could present opportunities for local entrepreneurs as well.
“We’re really excited for what comes after, whether it’s a film or TV production or both,” said Bourke.
“Ultimately, we hope it will inspire some folks to start up some businesses that are specific to the services that are going to be needed.”
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