Film pitch for reel cash

Photo: Thinkstock.com

The Okanagan Film Commission is looking for more funds to keep productions rolling into the region.

Film commissioner Jon Summerland is seeking an increase from the Regional District of North Okanagan from $24,000 to $35,000 a year – the same amount the Regional District of Okanagan Similkamen puts in – for a total budget of $180,000 from across the valley.

Using industry standard calculations, just under $18 million in economic impact was generated in the Okanagan last year by the film industry, including animation.

“Without the proper amount of funding, I cannot be a good host to production companies during the scout and preproduction. These productions are looking everywhere and every region wants them, so it is very important to make sure you sell the region properly. Without the proper funding, it is nearly impossible to do. I have four director-producer scouts for the month of March and each will cost between $2,500 and $5,000 with travel, accommodation, vehicle and food costs,” said Summerland.   

It could be the right time to ask, with two major features films having shot in the North Okanagan and another Canadian film, Numb, currently in production. Summerland feels the political will is there.

“I think that they are starting to. Just like anything else, when new directors get voted in, it’s up to us to educate them on the value. It’s a catch-22; you can’t sell without money, but money is hard to come by without results. I hope they see the results now. 

"This year alone, we have had two films in two months. That’s over $2 million in economic impact in the North Okanagan. Not bad for a $35,000 investment," said Summerland.    

“It’s a great return for the investment,” said Coun. Brian Quiring at this week’s Vernon council meeting.

Even with a budget increase, Summerland doesn’t see the commission increasing in size dramatically.  

“I think we will stay a one man office with three contracted scouts. Scouting is the biggest expense, and I want to make sure we have enough to service every film that comes in. We want to keep our reputation as accommodating and hard-working. Our reputation is all we have," he said.

The Okanagan has a growing reputation for skilled crews, and novices are getting more experience all the time. More than half the crew filming Numb are locals. Our scenery and variety of locations is also part of the bargain.

“If a location doesn’t suit a script, but the location can still offer production value, then they can change the script to suit the area. It happens eight out of 10 times. Big studio films are the only ones to go where the locations tell them. Indie's (our bread and butter) will go where the dollar and screen value take them.

"With our infrastructure and tax credits, we are way ahead of most places. It took a while to build, but I think we are there now,” said Summerland.

If he were writing the script for the future of the film business in the valley, Summerland said: “A studio close to the airport would help.”