On Feb. 1, Surrey City Hall saw the unveiling of The Surrey Film Studio Project ­ a proposal to build a $40 million film facility pegged ‘the most complete outside of l.a.’

The United Group of Companies, landowners of the vacant 28-acre South Westminster-area site of the proposed complex, position it as a solution to the b.c. studio space crunch, with room for 10 soundstages and a special effects building handy to Vancouver and its International Airport.

The proposal fits into goals acknowledged in Surrey’s economic development strategic plan, and project leader, Mario Pavlakovic, vp land development and acquisition for ucg, says now that he has the mayor’s endorsement, the financial participation portion of the plan can be finalized. The project will be financed through the traditional bank loan approach and equity investment from Vancouver film biz companies.

Pavlakovic needed the municipal government onside with a fast-track building permit mentality, and says now that he’s received the community partnership nod and ‘complete support to expedite the project,’ he expects to announce the financial players within the month. Partners will be invited to become tenants and supply a full complement of production services.

The provincial government may also play a role, as discussions with b.c.’s Small Business Development and Tourism ministries yielded the possibility of support via a training envelope, since hands-on training is an element of the studio project. Pavlakovic has set this summer as the construction start target, with studio operation eta as early as 1998.