INFilm 2007 Regional Film Industry Development

The significant downturn in the traditional North Island resource industry sectors has led to a number of economic diversification initiatives in the region. The Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFilm) has been a significant player leading the way in development of online tools and an international presence to attract the Film and Creative industries sector to the North Island Region. In the context of an international industry such as this, the region needed a stronger online presence.

To attract key players, INFilm has developed an online location image library and website, which features key information for the industry. Local location scouts identified, photographed and uploaded thousands of images featuring communities throughout Northern Vancouver Island. Upgrades to the website’s architecture and functionality ensured these images were available at all times. In 2007/2008, with the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games ahead, INFilm attended film industry-related trade shows and focused marketing on 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to establish continuity. Cross promotion with the tourism industry was done to further draw people to the region.

With this project, INFilm has consolidated its position and reputation with the industry, attracting Hollywood blockbuster productions, such as the Twilight trilogy, the A-Team, Scarlett Letter, Godzilla and Superman. Today, INFilm continues to attract major international film productions, television series and commercials. Over the years, the database and INFilm’s work has helped to leverage more than $78M in regional economic impact.