Last year, Hollywood productions in B.C. helped bottom lines in the province’s film industry which suffered major declines in Canadian film and television spending.
According to the Canadian Media Production Association's (CMPA) annual report overall film production volumes in B.C. rose to $1.34 billion in fiscal 2009-2010, up slightly from $1.32 billion in 2008-09.
More than 81% of film production last year came from foreign productions, nearly $1.1 billion, up from $900 million in 2008-09. The rise in foreign productions was due to a doubling of feature film production. It increased to $485 million from $245 million. B.C.’s stable of U.S. television production remained relatively consistent, down just 2.3% to $462 million from $473 million.
The 21% increase in foreign production offset substantial declines in Canadian television and film production in B.C. According to the CMPA report, Canadian TV production fell 48% to a 10-year low of $147 million from $284 million. Canadian film production, which remains a small proportion of B.C.’s film industry, fell 42% to $25 million from $43 million.
The drop in Canadian production was in stark contrast to Ontario, which saw Canadian film production jump 233% to $100 million from $30 million. Along with a modest increase in Canadian TV production, Ontario continued to attract the largest amount of film spending in Canada, drawing in $1.9 billion up from $1.8 billion.