Canada
Locations. Arctic landscapes, polar bears, old growth forests, grizzly bears, magnificent car roads, deserts, snowy mountains, surf beaches, US suburbs and small towns, old world architecture, modern cities. Canada offers a variety of international and unique looks. Vancouver is the gateway to Western Canada. It is similar to Capetown in the great variety of locations available within a one hour drive from the city centre.
Permits. Canada has a film
friendly streamlined permitting process. There are no extraordinary
restrictions or rules. Permits typically take three days but depending on the nature of the shoot it could be more - Downtown street lockups, night shooting, aerials over the city, Stunts, SPFX, etc.
When to shoot? Canada has
a typical four-season climate. Winters are very cold especially the further north you go. Vancouver has relatively warmer winters and rarely gets snow but is quite rainy throughout the colder months. Springs are beautiful and in full bloom. Summers are warm with little rainfall and long shoot days. Autumns are colourful with the fallen leaves.
For monthly weather statistics please see: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/ca-country.html
Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.
Costs. Many major world currencies still remain quite competitive versus the Canadian dollar but the US dollar is almost now on par with the Canadian. Canada is a very well established and sophisticated production centre and as with anything that is of the highest quality it costs accordingly. On average it is still more cost efficient to shoot North American looks in Canada especially when it comes to talent buyouts compared to the US. Arctic looks are also on average less expensive to shoot in Canada then similar locations such as Iceland. Vancouver and Toronto continue to be the 3rd and 4th busiest production centres in North America.
To save on costs Vancouver has a great depth of very good production managers to service your project.
Talent. Compared to other developed western countries Canada has comparatively low artists costs & buyouts for union and non-union performers.
The main costs of talent are as follows:
Non-Union Principals - $500 - 10 Hr days / 1.5x up to 14 Hrs / 2x after 14 Hrs.
Extras $200 - $250 depending on nature of production & how many. Ex. group extras, etc.
Buyouts - (All media except Print) $1000 per country other than US, Canada, England, Japan, Asia which are $2500 each.
Print is negotiable depending on useage.
Worldwide Buyout = $4500.
Canada boasts a very large and experienced pool of multicultural talent.
To view an example of the local talent looks
please visit:
Casting Workbook - http://www.castingworkbook.com/
Creative talent. Canada has a very good experienced pool of directors, directors of photography and stills photographers, several being of the highest international standard.
Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.
Crews are non-union. Canada has world renowned, experienced, professional technical crews.
Fringes. Fringes are low.
Premiums. Canada works on a ten hour shoot day except for Alberta which is a twelve hour shoot day. No 6th or 7th day, weekend, night or holiday premiums with crew or talent. There is a premium for shooting on a statutory holidays - Christmas, New Years, Easter, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving.
Equipment. Canada offers both Panavision and Arri equipment as well as many boutique equipment companies. The majority of specialized equipment is available in Canada.
Art department and set construction is very experienced. Long known as "Hollywood North" Vancouver has played host to a variety of feature films including X-men, Fantastic Four, X-Files, I-Robot and more... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_shot_in_Vancouver,
Studios. Vancouver on it's own has almost forty studios to chose from. Facilities are extensive and state of the art. Please see examples below:
Vancouver Film Studios - http://www.vancouverfilmstudios.com/
CMPP/MJA Studios - http://www.cmppstudios.com/
For more information about studios available in Vancouver please visit:
Purpose Built Studios - http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/about_us/contacts/articles68.htm
Studios: Conversions - http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/about_us/contacts/articles123.htm
Studios: FX/Broadcast - http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/about_us/contacts/articles86.htm
Backlots. The following can be found in Vancouver:
North Shore Studios - http://www.nsstudios.ca/
Industrial Works - http://www.iwlfilm.com/scripts/site/locations.php?categoryId=44
Randy Tan Studio - http://www.visionnetvancouver.ca/locationLibrary/
Vancouver Film Studios - http://www.vancouverfilmstudios.com/
Tax Incentives. For Commercials, British Columbia offers a 5% tax rebate for foreign productions. We take care of all the paperwork and a cheque is sent directly from the Federal Goverment to you, usually within a few months.
For feature films shooting in British Columbia please visit here for more information:
BCFC - http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/production/tax_incentives.htm
Film Stock. Both Fuji and Kodak are available locally.
Post Production. Canada offers the highest standard of post production facilities. In Vancouver the following exist:
Rainmaker - www.rainmaker.com
Technicolor - www.technicolor.com
Northwest Imaging - www.nwfx.com
Artifex - www.artifexstudios.com
Image Engine - www.image-engine.com
Enigma Studios - www.enigmastudios.com
Visas and Work Permits. Work Permits are required for Directors, DoPs, Art Directors, Assistant Directors, Production Managers and Technicians. Executive Producers and Producers do not require work permits as they are deemed to be bringing the business into the country. Client and Agency are also not required as they are deemed top be "overseeing" the production. Allow one week for permits to be processed. Anyone who requires a work permit also requires a tax waiver, which are always granted if they have spent less than 180 days in Canada in one year. We fill out the all paperwork and submit the applications on their behalf. You can pick up your work permit at the port of entry. For travel visas contact your local Canadian embassy / representative for more information.
Transportation Infrastructure. All roads sealed except some remote locations. Canada is serviced by most major international carriers.
Accommodation. Film friendly hotels include:
Sutton Place - http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/
Westin Bay Shore- http://www.westinbayshore.com/
Pan Pacific - http://www.panpacific.com/Vancouver/Overview.html
The Opus - http://www.opushotel.com/opus..html
Metropolitan - http://www.metropolitan.com/vanc/
Westin Grand - http://www.westingrandvancouver.com/
Please contact us for corporate rates.
For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Communication. Web posted casting, scouting and videoconferencing.
Safety. Canada is a very safe and reliable filming centre.
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Canada, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
