Abbotsford – The City of Abbotsford Economic Development office has a blog that will, from time to time, be re-published on FVN.
Nicola Derksen with AECD wrote a piece on filming in “Abbywood” and how the Film/TV/Video industry has a huge impact on the city. One that City officials don’t want to see taper off.
…and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Filming in Abbotsford is BIG BUSINESS. The 2017 economic impact was over $882,677.00 with 44 films and 113 filming days. Every year the number of films increase, last year we were up 28% over the previous year and 2018 stats are expected to be record-breaking, so be sure to watch out for our End of Year report. Netflix, Hallmark and numerous other networks have shot TV movies, big screen films and commercials all over the city and the surrounding area.
Not only is filming big business for the community, but the industry is also a great employer, with wages totaling in excess of $19 million in 2017 – yes you read that correctly, 19 MILLION DOLLARS just within the Abbotsford community. The creative industries are one of the world’s most dynamic and emerging sectors. In the past many of these skills have been learned through apprenticeships, however post-secondary establishments recognize that there is a demand for trained professionals and have begun offering programs in related disciplines to support this trend. Here is a list of the different schools across the province offering programs relating to the filming industry.
Some of the more recognizable films shot in Abbotsford have been “The Mountain Between Us”, staring Kate Winslet and Idris Elba. “Good Boys” with British Columbia’s very own Jacob Tremblay and the wildly popular weekly drama “Riverdale” – to name a few. Every week Creative BC releases a list of what’s in production or about to be, in the various communities around BC.
There are a few ways for the community to become involved in the local film industry. If you are an aspiring actor, or maybe you have always wanted to see yourself on the big screen here’s your chance. You can register with an agency or send your resume and special skills directly to the production company. Creative BC has more information on how you can get a front row seat to Abbotsford’s next filming project.
Production companies are always looking for new and exciting film locations, so if you have a sweet spot or a secret garden follow the simple steps and register your property with Creative BC and it could be the next set for an upcoming film project.
To stay connected with what’s happening within the Abbotsford film industry, make sure to follow the hashtags #Abbywood and #AbbotsfordFilms.
Photos courtesy Abbotsford Economic Development, Hallmark, Riverdale:
