The Okanagan Film Commission’s annual statistics for 2005 show a 15% increase in inquiries to the region and a more than 250% increase in production activity. The most notable production in the region for 2005 was “Fido,” starring Carrie-Anne Moss and Billy Connelly. This feature film was shot entirely on location in the Central and North Okanagan.

“We are thrilled with the numbers we are posting for 2005, as it clearly shows the industry is growing in the region. Production remains very strong going into 2006” says Board Chairman Russ Greaves.

While interested filmmakers sourced the Okanagan for a number of projects in 2005, Chairman Russ Greaves is quick to point out that without a full budget; the office continues its challenge to adequately service the growing demand.

“In the spring of this year, our office was juggling more than 15 potential productions at once with limited resources. Some of these were multi-million dollar projects that could have created significant opportunity for the region,” states Greaves. “However we currently do not have enough capacity to handle the volume of requests we are experiencing. We are striving for some additional financial support from the business community in 2006. This is to ease existing demand as well as to secure opportunities for ongoing development such as a TV series. Ideally, we want to deliver the maximum revenue potential from onsite production and filming to our region. Our numbers clearly show the clients want to be here. We need to be aggressively pursuing their investment.”

The Okanagan Film Commission’s mandate is to generate a positive economic impact by enabling the growth of the Okanagan-Similkameen-Boundary region as a film centre. The Okanagan Film Commission currently receives financial support with partnership contributions from Regional Government and the Province of BC.

OKANAGAN FILM COMMISSION 2005 STATISTICS

2005 PRODUCTION ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS

Fido – A “feel good movie” about a boy and his pet zombie filmed entirely on location in the Central and North Okanagan. This is the largest independent Canadian feature to receive Telefilm Canada funding. Expenditure in region estimated at $5Million.

Hollywood and Vines – TV Series on Wine starring Terry David Mulligan and Jason Priestley shot on location in the Central and South Okanagan

Neal N’ Nikki – “Bollywood” feature film shot on location in the Central Okanagan

McDonalds – International Commercial shot on location in the South Okanagan

Citizens Bank – International Commercial shot on location in the South Okanagan