It has been just over a year since the news that shook the film industry from California to Squamish and beyond.
The writers’ union, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), went on strike starting May 2 last year. The shake turned into an earthquake for the industry when the actors’ union, the Screen Actors Guild, also went out on strike on July 14. It wasn’t until Nov. 9, 2023, that the actors were off the line (the writers officially had a deal Sept. 27, but the film world mostly remained at a standstill until the actors ratified their agreement).
Though there was certainly relief in November for those locals who work in the industry, it took a few months for productions to get back on track after the long break.
But it is back to lights, camera, and action now, for the most part.
This is a boon for Squamish residents who are in the industry—from actors, to stunt performers, to set designers, to producers, directors, cinematographers, focus pullers, grips, and other on-set crews, to those employed in post-production—and it is a win for Squamish as a whole, as the municipality sees an uptick in productions shot on location here.
According to the District, three productions were postponed in 2023 due to the industry strikes, but they were completed here earlier this year.
Squamish is attractive as a place to film for lots of reasons, such as its generic small-town feel, and its dynamic landscapes, with a mix of lake, river, ocean, alpine and treeline options. It is also within the 12.5% Regional Tax Credit Zone, which means eligible productions can save money on their B.C. labour costs.
So far this year, seven productions have wrapped up in Squamish, according to the District.
Seven more will be shot here before the end of the year.
Of course, the most notable local shoots are Netflix’s Virgin River and HBO’s The Last of Us, Season 2, which has a massive set built in Britannia Beach.
Beyond the jobs, economic boost and bragging rights for locals, residents and businesses can also list their homes and properties to be considered for film shoots. (Go to the Creative BC website).
There’s a lot we disagree on in Squamish, but the positive impact of the film and TV industry shouldn’t be one of them. Wonder if we could get the powers that be to agree to a Hollywood-esque Squamish Walk of Fame downtown?
