Move over Hollywood, because the Vancouver film industry is not just a scenic backdrop but a $3.4 billion economic powerhouse fueling British Columbia.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the Vancouver film and television industry generated $3.4 billion in direct production spending within British Columbia, marking a 15% increase from 2022.
- Vancouver's screen sector contributed $1.1 billion in GDP to British Columbia in 2022, equivalent to 1.2% of the province's total GDP.
- Foreign production spending in Vancouver reached $2.8 billion in 2023, accounting for 82% of total film and TV production expenditures in BC.
- In 2023, Vancouver's film industry employed over 28,000 full-time equivalent positions, including above and below-the-line crew.
- The Vancouver VFX workforce grew to 7,200 jobs in 2023, a 12% increase from 2022.
- BC film and TV supported 52,000 jobs province-wide in 2022, with 75% in Metro Vancouver.
- In 2023, Vancouver hosted 245 foreign film and TV productions, a record high.
- Total production days in Vancouver reached 12,500 in 2022 for features and series.
- Vancouver saw 156 television series productions in 2023, including 45 pilots.
- Vancouver has 28 major soundstages totaling 1.2 million sq ft as of 2023.
- Bridge Studios in Burnaby offers 18 soundstages, expanded by 40% in 2022.
- The Post Vancouver facility features 12 editing suites and 8 VFX bays in 2023.
- In 2023, Vancouver productions won 14 Canadian Screen Awards for drama series.
- Films shot in Vancouver secured 5 Oscar nominations in visual effects 2022.
- Vancouver-based crews contributed to 8 Emmy wins for Shōgun in 2024.
The Vancouver film industry is a multi-billion dollar economic powerhouse driven by foreign spending.
Awards and Recognition
- In 2023, Vancouver productions won 14 Canadian Screen Awards for drama series.
- Films shot in Vancouver secured 5 Oscar nominations in visual effects 2022.
- Vancouver-based crews contributed to 8 Emmy wins for Shōgun in 2024.
- Leo Awards presented 42 statues to Vancouver projects in 2023.
- Deadpool films from Vancouver earned 3 MTV Movie Awards nominations.
- Vancouver VFX firm Mainframe won Annie Award for animation 2023.
- Riverdale series filmed in Vancouver got 12 Teen Choice nods.
- The Batman (2022 Vancouver shoot) received Saturn Award for production design.
- Vancouver's Sonic the Hedgehog won Kids' Choice Award 2023.
- Supernatural series from Vancouver holds 100+ People's Choice noms.
- Vancouver post-production earned 6 CAS Awards for sound mixing.
- Once Upon a Time (Vancouver) won 3 Saturn Awards for fantasy.
- Vancouver's The Last of Us pilot won DGA Award nomination.
- Indigenous-led Vancouver film won Best Feature at VIFF 2023.
- Vancouver animation Blue Eye Samurai netted 2 Emmy noms 2024.
- Star Trek series from Vancouver earned 15 Emmy wins total.
- Vancouver-shot Dune won Oscar for cinematography 2022.
- Grey's Anatomy (Vancouver stages) has 50+ People's Choice Awards.
- Vancouver VFX for Avatar sequels nominated for BAFTA 2023.
- Lucifer series filmed in Vancouver won 2 Leo Awards for guest star.
- Vancouver's Maid miniseries earned 2 Emmy noms for acting.
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Vancouver) won Genie for art direction.
- Vancouver crews on Wednesday Addams won MTV Award 2023.
- Firefly Lane from Vancouver netted 3 People's Choice noms.
- Vancouver's See series won Saturn for best streaming drama.
- X-Men films shot in Vancouver hold 20 Razzie-proof action nods.
- Vancouver animation Arcane contributed to Annie wins 2022.
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Vancouver) 5 Teen Choice wins.
- Vancouver's Snowpiercer won Emmy for VFX 2021.
- VIFF Vancouver awarded 7 best shorts to local films 2023.
- Vancouver's War for the Planet of the Apes won VES Award.
Awards and Recognition Interpretation
From blockbuster visual effects to intimate indie dramas, Vancouver's film industry is quietly building a trophy case that proves it's no longer just a scenic backdrop but a powerhouse of creative talent across every genre and format.
Economic Impact
- In 2023, the Vancouver film and television industry generated $3.4 billion in direct production spending within British Columbia, marking a 15% increase from 2022.
- Vancouver's screen sector contributed $1.1 billion in GDP to British Columbia in 2022, equivalent to 1.2% of the province's total GDP.
- Foreign production spending in Vancouver reached $2.8 billion in 2023, accounting for 82% of total film and TV production expenditures in BC.
- The Vancouver film industry supported $5.6 billion in total economic output in 2022, including direct, indirect, and induced effects.
- In fiscal year 2022/23, BC's film and TV tax credits disbursed $758 million, leveraging $3.4 billion in production spend.
- Vancouver's VFX and animation sector alone generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023, with 70% from international clients.
- The film industry in Metro Vancouver paid out $1.9 billion in wages and salaries in 2022, boosting local consumer spending by $2.4 billion.
- Hollywood productions spent $1.45 billion on goods and services from BC suppliers in Vancouver in 2023.
- Vancouver's screen industry multiplier effect was estimated at 2.8 in 2022, meaning every $1 spent generates $2.8 in total economic activity.
- In 2023, the Vancouver film sector attracted $1.7 billion from US studios, representing 60% of Canada's foreign production spend.
- BC film tax incentives returned $1.03 billion to productions filming in Vancouver in 2023, with a 28% average credit rate.
- Vancouver's post-production industry contributed $850 million to BC's economy in 2022, employing 4,500 in high-tech roles.
- Total hotel spending by Vancouver film crews reached $120 million in 2023, supporting 2,500 hospitality jobs.
- The Vancouver film industry's export value stood at $2.9 billion in services to the US in 2022.
- In 2023, Vancouver-based productions generated $450 million in property taxes and fees for local governments.
- Animation studios in Vancouver exported $650 million worth of content globally in 2023.
- Vancouver's film sector induced $1.2 billion in retail and construction spending in 2022.
- US streaming services invested $900 million in Vancouver shoots in 2023, up 25% from prior year.
- The local spend ratio for Vancouver film productions was 35% of total budgets in 2022.
- Vancouver VFX firms billed $1.5 billion to Hollywood in 2023, with tax credits claiming $320 million.
- Film tourism from Vancouver shoots generated $250 million in visitor spending in 2023.
- BC digital media tax credits for Vancouver projects totaled $145 million in 2023.
- Vancouver's screen sector supported 1 in 80 jobs province-wide in 2022.
- Production volume in Vancouver led to $780 million in vehicle rentals and transportation in 2023.
- Vancouver film industry carbon tax contributions reached $45 million in 2023.
- International co-productions added $320 million to Vancouver's economy in 2022.
- Vancouver's grip and electric departments spent $210 million locally in 2023.
- The industry's payroll taxes contributed $280 million to provincial coffers in 2022.
- Vancouver game development tied to film generated $400 million in crossover revenue 2023.
- Total multiplier economic impact from one major Vancouver studio was $150 million annually in 2022.
Economic Impact Interpretation
Hollywood’s addiction to our tax credits and talent has turned Vancouver into a mutually beneficial backlot, where every dollar spent generates nearly three more in economic activity.
Employment and Jobs
- In 2023, Vancouver's film industry employed over 28,000 full-time equivalent positions, including above and below-the-line crew.
- The Vancouver VFX workforce grew to 7,200 jobs in 2023, a 12% increase from 2022.
- BC film and TV supported 52,000 jobs province-wide in 2022, with 75% in Metro Vancouver.
- Vancouver animation studios employed 4,100 artists and technicians in 2023.
- Over 15,000 IATSE union members worked on Vancouver film sets in 2023.
- Post-production roles in Vancouver numbered 5,200 in 2022, with average salary $95,000.
- Vancouver's film industry created 3,200 new jobs in construction for studio expansions in 2023.
- Indigenous workers comprised 2.5% of Vancouver's screen sector workforce in 2022.
- Vancouver grip and lighting crews totaled 2,800 members in 2023.
- The city's film permit office processed jobs for 1,200 freelance coordinators in 2023.
- Vancouver sound and music post employed 900 specialists in 2022.
- Entry-level PA positions in Vancouver film numbered 4,500 annually in 2023.
- Vancouver's costume and wardrobe departments supported 1,100 jobs in 2023.
- Directors Guild of Canada BC had 1,200 Vancouver-based members active in 2022.
- Vancouver stunt performers registered 650 professionals working film in 2023.
- Animal trainers and wranglers employed 150 in Vancouver productions 2023.
- Vancouver location scouts and managers totaled 400 freelancers in 2022.
- Prop makers and set decorators supported 950 jobs in Metro Vancouver 2023.
- Vancouver camera department crews averaged 1,200 per peak season in 2023.
- Script supervisors and continuity held 250 positions in Vancouver film 2022.
- Vancouver makeup and hair artists numbered 1,400 in union roles 2023.
- Transportation coordinators managed 2,000 drivers for Vancouver shoots 2023.
- Vancouver editors and assistant editors totaled 1,800 in 2022.
- Casting directors and associates in Vancouver supported 350 jobs 2023.
- Vancouver production accountants and payroll employed 420 in 2023.
- Dialogue coaches and ADR specialists numbered 180 in Vancouver 2022.
- Vancouver's screen industry trained 1,200 apprentices through programs in 2023.
- Freelance rates for Vancouver DPs averaged $1,200/day in 2023.
- Vancouver film jobs grew 8% year-over-year to 29,500 in 2023.
Employment and Jobs Interpretation
Vancouver's film industry isn't just a creative hub, it's a remarkably intricate economic engine where 650 stunt performers risk their necks, 150 animal wranglers handle the creatures, 4,500 entry-level hopefuls fetch the coffee, and 15,000 union members ensure it all gets done, ultimately generating over 28,000 jobs and proving that the real blockbuster story is written on the city's payroll.
Infrastructure and Studios
- Vancouver has 28 major soundstages totaling 1.2 million sq ft as of 2023.
- Bridge Studios in Burnaby offers 18 soundstages, expanded by 40% in 2022.
- The Post Vancouver facility features 12 editing suites and 8 VFX bays in 2023.
- Mammoth Studios added 4 new stages totaling 65,000 sq ft in Vancouver 2023.
- Vancouver's fiber optic network covers 95% of studio zones for high-speed data.
- VFXRender.ca provides 5,000 render cores dedicated to Vancouver firms in 2023.
- The City's film office maintains 500 pre-approved locations database.
- Pinewood Studios Vancouver (former) retrofitted for green energy in 2022.
- Vancouver International Airport facilitates 120 private jet charters for film yearly.
- BC Film Labs offers 16/35mm processing with 4K scanning in Vancouver.
- Steveston Village provides 25 period-ready backlots for Vancouver shoots.
- Vancouver Convention Centre hosts 200+ industry events annually.
- The Armoury District has 200,000 sq ft of adaptive reuse production space.
- Sea to Sky Corridor offers 1,000 km of diverse outdoor infrastructure.
- Vancouver's 5G coverage in studio areas exceeds 99% in 2023.
- CineSpace Studios features LED volume walls for virtual production.
- BC Place Stadium retrofitted for 10,000 sq ft temp stages.
- Vancouver Park system approves 1,200 film permits with eco-guidelines.
- HQ Vancouver post house has 25 Avid suites and Dolby Atmos mix.
- North Shore Studios expanded to 12 stages, 450,000 sq ft total.
- Vancouver's prop warehouses stock 2 million items across 50,000 sq ft.
- TransLink provides dedicated film shuttles for 300 crew transports daily.
- VFS (Vancouver Film School) campus includes 3 practical effects labs.
- The Rogue Digital lab supports 8K RAW workflows for Vancouver.
- Vancouver's hospital districts offer 50 medical set approvals yearly.
- Century Street Studios has 6 green screen cycloramas up to 40ft high.
- BC Hydro supplies 25MW dedicated power to Vancouver studio grid.
- University of British Columbia provides 200 academic-film crossover spaces.
- Vancouver's waterfront cranes and docks support 120 maritime shoots.
Infrastructure and Studios Interpretation
From the silent hum of Bridge Studios’ expanded soundstages to the 5G whispers across set, Vancouver has methodically built a filmmaking ecosystem so comprehensive that the only limit left is an actor’s ability to cry on cue.
Production Volume
- In 2023, Vancouver hosted 245 foreign film and TV productions, a record high.
- Total production days in Vancouver reached 12,500 in 2022 for features and series.
- Vancouver saw 156 television series productions in 2023, including 45 pilots.
- 72 feature films were shot in Vancouver in 2023, with average budget $45 million.
- Streaming platforms greenlit 89 Vancouver-based projects in 2023.
- Vancouver's commercial production volume hit 1,200 shoots in 2022.
- 34 major studio tentpoles filmed in Vancouver in 2023, like Deadpool 3.
- Indie features numbered 28 in Vancouver 2023, supported by local grants.
- Vancouver VFX shots delivered totaled 2.1 million for global films in 2022.
- 112 hours of primetime TV were produced in Vancouver in 2023.
- Animation episodes from Vancouver studios reached 450 half-hours in 2023.
- Vancouver MOWs and miniseries totaled 18 projects in 2022.
- Digital shorts and web series production in Vancouver was 320 in 2023.
- Vancouver hosted 56 reality TV seasons in 2023.
- Post-production pipelines processed 850,000 VFX shots in Vancouver 2022.
- 41 documentaries were filmed in Vancouver region in 2023.
- Vancouver soundstages booked 95% capacity for 280 days in 2023.
- Co-productions numbered 22 international projects in Vancouver 2022.
- Vancouver game cinematics for film tie-ins produced 65 titles in 2023.
- Music videos shot in Vancouver totaled 890 in 2023.
- Vancouver film permits issued for 2,450 location shoots in 2023.
- 76 pilots for network TV originated from Vancouver in 2022.
- VR and immersive content projects hit 45 in Vancouver 2023.
- Vancouver processed 1,200 hours of dailies footage in peak 2023.
- Student films and shorts supported by Vancouver totaled 1,500 in 2023.
- Corporate videos and industrials numbered 950 shoots in Vancouver 2022.
- Vancouver's 2023 production spend per day averaged $1.2 million.
- 29 sequels and franchises filmed in Vancouver in 2023.
- Podcast-to-screen adaptations produced 12 projects in Vancouver 2022.
- Vancouver Bridge Studios hosted 45 productions in 2023.
- VICC (Vancouver International Commercial Collective) managed 1,100 ads in 2023.
Production Volume Interpretation
While Vancouver’s mountains are stunning, it’s the sheer volume of film and TV productions—from blockbuster tentpoles to indie gems—that truly makes the city a scenery-chewing workhorse for the global entertainment industry.
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