Hollywood North booming with sci-fi, fairy tale glitz and glam
Industry insiders say provincial tax incentives have made Vancouver attractive
Vancouver's show biz moniker — Hollywood North — once again appears to be a fitting title, as The X-files returns for new episodes and a spin-off of zombie hit, The Walking Dead, is set to debut.
Fans spent the weekend lining up at Fan Expo Vancouver to meet some of the stars, including Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Lori Grimes on The Walking Dead.
Vancouver a 'beautiful, beautiful place'
Vancouver is a becoming more of a destination for actors and productions, according to Callies.
"It's such a beautiful, beautiful place to spend time," Callies said. "Every actor I know is happy to get stationed in Vancouver for a little bit."
It's been reported that AMC plans to film and produce a spin-off series to The Walking Dead in Vancouver, and those who have taken part in productions say tax incentives offered by the province are helping to attract companies.
"It's pretty clear when you give tax breaks and options, it draws production," said Scott Wilson who played Hershel Greene on Walking Dead. "It is the same thing that happened in Georgia. Georgia has rebates and that's where the first Walking Dead was shot."
However, local tax breaks haven't changed much since the industry in Vancouver faced tougher times.
In the 2015 provincial budget, the B.C. Liberals did extend the digital animation or visual effects (DAVE) production services tax credit.
Productions that start principal photography on or after March 1, 2015, can apply for the tax credit of 17.5 per cent against any labour costs incurred during post production work done in B.C.
Just two years ago, with the industry struggling, thousands packed into a North Vancouver warehouse to demand that the provincial government match tax incentives similar to those offered in Ontario and Quebec.
But it appears those haven't been needed, as big productions like Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool are bringing millions into the city's economy.
The return of the X-files — 13 years after going off the air — is also a big boost for Vancouver, considering it was one of the first shows that helped push the city into the spotlight as a destination for companies.
Now shows like ABC's Once Upon A Time, which has turned Steveston in Richmond into Storybrooke, Maine, is in its fourth season.
"It's been great shooting in Steveston," said Jennifer Morrison who plays Emma Swan on the show.
"It feels like a home away from home now we have shot so much there. It's been fun to watch the town be part of the show and the show become part of the town," said Morrison.
with files from the CBC's Richard Zussman