Despite the abundance of big white film crew buses filled at UBC this weeek, the movie industry is in decline in BC.

BC NDP leader Carole James has one theory why: Ontario. Last year, Québec and Ontario expanded the scope of their tax credits for films to include all production costs. James claims that productions have been moving to Ontario, leaving the BC film industry in the dust. On the other hand, Paul Klassen, IATSE Local 891 representative, claimed that it was the unusually strong Canadian dollar that has been doing the most damage in a Georgia Straight article.

Don Cayo of The Vancouver Sun called for a decreasing the support we give the industry. He asserts that film is strong enough to maintain itself, and that if it isn’t, we shouldn’t be propping it up anyway.

The Ubyssey disagrees. Canadian film needs all the support it can get; it’s a valuable creative industry with plenty of ongoing potential for growth. Tourism in BC generated $13.8 billion in 2008; film generates about $1 billion annually. In a province whose economy is still dangerously resource-based, we need to encourage industries that aren’t based on exploiting natural resources. The creation and support of always expanding industries such as video games, software development and film will be important for surviving the new millennium.
Finally, the film industry helps UBC. In addition to giving UBC some quick funds with only slight inconveniences, filming at UBC supports the film production program. Which is awesome.

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