Vancouver: Cash-strapped regional film commissions in British Columbia had a gift in the recent provincial budget presented by Finance Minister Paul Ramsey on March 27.

The government has dedicated $500,000 to seven regional commissions – such as Victoria and the Okanagan – that are trying to build production volumes outside the core Vancouver area. To date, these regional commissions have struggled just to stay open let alone build production business. The federal government’s Human Resources Development Corporation has been instrumental in keeping these offices functioning.

The British Columbia Film Commission will manage the new money. Up to $300,000 will be shared by the regions that can raise matching funds from their communities. Another $150,000 will be dedicated to cooperative marketing initiatives for the regions and $50,000 is earmarked for skills development and training.

By comparison, the B.C. Film Commission has an annual budget of $875,000.