By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Jan. 14, 2013
As many as 22 movies were shot last year in Squamish, resulting in over $1.5 million in direct economic benefit to the community, the district of Squamish says.
There were only 14 movies shot in Squamish in 2011.
Hotel accommodation, transportation, restaurants and groceries, location fees, construction, cost recovery for district services, local equipment rentals or prop purchases, and extras hired all contributed, said district spokesperson Christina Moore.
The productions ranged from feature films and TV movies to mini-series, series, commercials and a student film.
In 2013, one film production has already been confirmed and three more productions are currently scouting around town.
The conclusions were derived from a district survey conducted in 2012 that measured benefits from the film industry to the local economy.
Moore said managing the requirements of the film crews can be a balancing act.
This is especially true in downtown, one of the most popular locations to shoot.
During one three-day period in October, three productions were located within three blocks of each other in downtown Squamish – ‘Horns’, featuring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame, ‘No Clue’, a Canadian film starring Brent Butt from Corner Gas, Amy Smart and David Koechner, and ‘Profile for Murder’.
Mayor Rob Kirkham said the district recognizes that this can be a challenge to residents and businesses that may need to adjust to any revised plans.
But he also said the film industry is an important contributor to our local economy, and will keep getting support from the district.
Michael Enders says
Amy Smart was in town and I missed it? Dang!
On another note it is great to see an economic benefit for Squamish via the film industry. I just wish businesses weren’t so “pathetic” and stopped their complaining and whining when they do come to town. A business should embrace the film industry even if it does affect the business directly… in the long run perhaps some people will want to see that business later on!
Ana says
So, small business owners are pathetic when they lose revenue because film crews block entrance to their shops? It’s great they come here but to the common Squamtonite and small business owner they’re not that important. They seem to bring their own caterers, rent equipment from out of town, bring their own people. So, the district gets some cash I suspect. As well, businesses that are used in the shooting, some income. But until they start reimbursing small businesses for lost business they should show some common courtesy and not affect their businesses. Complaining/asking them to move isn’t unreasonable or pathetic.