The Town of Gibsons has been awarded $10,000 to help attract and provide services to film and video producers from around the world.
On Aug. 3, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development distributed the funding to regional film commissions, as well as specific tourism associations and municipalities that work closely with the B.C. Film Commission to showcase and promote their regions to filmmakers and liaise with film production companies.
"Film in B.C. represents a significant economic enterprise supporting good jobs and bringing in substantial revenue to communities across the province," said minister Ida Chong. "A visually dramatic landscape, a skilled film industry labour pool and a favourable tax regime established by the province help attract film and video production, including projects in British Columbia's regions."
Every year, B.C.'s regions provide locations for various film projects, including movies, television series, documentaries and commercials. Motion picture and television producers spent more than $1 billion in B.C. during 2010. About 90 per cent of productions use the services of the BC Film Commission, including regional film commissions and offices.
The Town of Gibsons was home to the popular CBC television series The Beachcombers for many years and, more recently, was the site of major filming for the movie Charlie St. Cloud which stared teen idol Zach Effron.
Wendy Gilbertson with the Town of Gibsons said council has not earmarked the grant money for any specific project yet, but did say they have two or three projects in mind.
She added that whatever project council chooses will be used to promote the entire Sunshine Coast and not just Gibsons.
