VANCOUVER: B.C. voters booted out the most film-friendly government in provincial history May 16, but the new Liberal government is expected to build on that success.

With two Victoria ridings embroiled in recounts, the legislature currently shakes out at 76 Liberal MLAs and only three NDP MLAs, one seat short of official party status in the house.

Premier-elect Gordon Campbell, meanwhile, is expected to swear in his new cabinet June 5.

Until then, it’s a mystery as to how the government will reshape the various ministries and, more specifically, where in the mix the film industry will fall. At present, both the marketing-oriented British Columbia Film Commission and funding agency British Columbia Film are part of the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture.

‘Mr. Campbell has been clear that he knows the film and television industry is big and is looking at ways to make it bigger,’ says Rob Egan, president and CEO of funding agency BC Film. ‘That’s encouraging.’

Previously, right-of-center governments in Alberta and Ontario abandoned provincial funding and incentive programs.

Egan, who met with the Liberals prior to the election, says Campbell wants to consult with the local film and television community to identify barriers to growth and policies that will foster growth. *