British Columbia’s film industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, with major productions like Deadpool, Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina filming in Vancouver and surrounding areas. However, not all industry workers are reaping the benefits of this boom. Many skilled workers, including camera operators and lighting technicians, are struggling to find employment and are being forced to leave the province to find work elsewhere. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that these workers are facing and the impact it’s having on the BC film industry.
The film and TV industry in British Columbia is experiencing a job struggle, with some people finding it difficult to get work within the industry. According to sources, individuals are actively seeking work in other sectors due to the downturn. Patrick Macht, a props coordinator for a popular show, The Good Doctor, revealed his thoughts on the current state of the film and TV industry in British Columbia. He has seen his peers’ struggles with non-stop work to no work in recent months. As the TV shows Riverdale wrapped up and The Flash finished its ninth season, it has been noticed that getting any new work in the industry is a significant task. With the seasonal run coming to a close and spring on the horizon, pilot programs usually start around town, but sentiments suggest that finding work in the industry is not a given.
Many industries worldwide have been affected with COVID pandemics, including Hollywood. Hollywood is currently in talks with the Writers Guild of America in anticipation of a potential strike. This rumor alone has created a sense of fear amongst industry insiders, who fear they may not get the chance to move forward in new productions.
The reason why there are few opportunities within the film and TV industry in British Columbia is not entirely clear. Some insiders feel that it is due to someone within the industry spreading derogatory remarks about BC that have led to lower investment. Despite the concern, industry leaders suggest that it is too early to say that British Columbia is not a desirable location for film and TV investments. The industry is suffering because of worldwide issues related to production, popularly regarded as peak TV, which has caused a decrease in current opportunities within the sector.
According to the CEO of Creative BC, Prem Gill, in 2020, the film and TV industry contributed $3.6 billion to British Columbia’s economy. In 2021 that statistic rose to $4.8 billion, per the Vancouver Economic Commission. Whilst this indicates that things are still shining on the horizon, the minor dip in productions could indicate a downward trend.
The film industry in British Columbia is still trying to regain control as the lower number of productions has forced a lot of people to venture into new sectors of work. One of Macht’s friends is seeking to become an inventor, while the other is working within manufacturing and side hustles. It is an uncertain time for the industry, and it is hoped that upcoming projects will help stimulate new opportunities soon.
In conclusion, the worldwide economic downturn due to the COVID pandemic is affecting almost all sectors worldwide, including the film and TV industry. The reported global decline in productions due to peak TV as referred to is affecting British Columbia. Film and TV industry participants are venturing into new sectors of work, hoping for a change; it is uncertain that this change will materialize soon. Despite the fear, analysts suggest that it is too early to say that the industry has hit a stage of complete collapse; it is merely a downturn that hopefully will soon be over.
The struggle for stable employment in the British Columbia film industry remains an ongoing issue for many workers. While the industry has experienced impressive growth in recent years, the lack of job security and benefits for workers cannot be overlooked. As the provincial government continues to push for more productions to be filmed in BC, it is imperative that they prioritize the well-being and financial stability of industry workers. We must work towards creating a sustainable work environment that provides workers with the support and resources they need to thrive. Only then can we truly say that BC’s film industry is a success story for all involved.
