Vancouver: The b.c. film industry posted new record volumes in 1997, capping a decade of solid growth.

Tallies for the year show that productions reached $933 million, up 16% from 1996, and direct spending improved to $631 million, up 17%. Overall there were 167 productions in b.c. last year.

After a stellar first six months that put b.c. on track for total productions budgets of $1 billion for the year, the second half of 1997 slowed due to uncertainties about the Production Services Limited Partnership tax shelters, the implementation of the new federal tax credit for foreign producers, stories about Revenue Canada denying withholding tax waivers for returning u.s. producers and directors, and concerns about labor peace with the Union of B.C. Performers.

The current calendar year is again bright, however, with the implementation of the new Film Incentive b.c. tax credit April 1 which caters to both indigenous and foreign producers. The continued weak Canadian dollar along with new labor stability for the next 13 months are also expected to attract u.s. investment. B.C. Tel’s new $10-million production fund will begin to spark new b.c.-based broadcast and new media production.

And the film industry, as a good news story, enjoys the full attention of the provincial government.

‘Industry, labor and government are achieving great results in this sector, but I believe we can do even better,’ says Premier Glen Clark. ‘My government intends to continue working with studio executives, producers and film industry workers to ensure that b.c. remains Canada’s most attractive movie location.’

In all, there were 24 features, 53 mows, 20 series or miniseries, nine animation projects and 61 documentaries or broadcast singles in ’97. Total Canadian production reached $263 million in budgets and $206 million in spending.

(For the first time, the B.C. Film Commission and funding agency B.C. Film have cooperated in consolidating total volume figures. Therefore, the 1997 tallies include broadcast singles and documentaries financed through the funding agency, but not necessarily recorded on the official film list at the commission. While the addition of broadcast singles and documentaries boosts the number of actual productions by about 60% over the year, these productions account for less than 2% of total budgets and 2.5% of total direct spending. The addition of the extra productions makes the b.c. volumes comparable to Ontario’s.)

In 1987, b.c. generated fewer than 30 productions worth about $150 million in direct spending.