November 2003
By Christina Martens
Citizen Staff

The Cowichan Valley could become the little Hollywood of the North as Film Cowichan begins a marketing campaign to draw movie producers to the area.

During a presentation to North Cowichan council last week, Film Cowichan project manager Louise McMurray said the Cowichan Regional Economic Development Commission and Film Cowichan are developing three key areas to encourage movie producers to look at the Cowichan Valley for their next production.

"There is no doubt that the Cowichan Valley has great potential for developing a solid industry around film activities because of its close proximity to Victoria and Vancouver and because of what it is able to offer in its range of different looks, locations and unique buildings," said McMurray.

In the last few months, she said, Film Cowichan and the Economic Development Commission have helped attract over $1.7 million worth of productions to the region.

"These production companies have used our accommodations, services, transportation and goods and services," she said.

They have also employed local people, either as extras or in support of the production. "There's no doubt the Cowichan Valley has a lot to offer," she said.

 

What needs to happen to make the Cowichan Valley even more appealing is for Film Cowichan to develop an infrastructure that will make it seamless for the production to move across the boundaries which make up different regions.

"We want to develop a common package that makes it simple for movie productions to come in," said Economic Development manager Geoff Millar.

This would mean having contact information for set designers, writers, animal trainers, and hair dressers on file with Film Cowichan and having a package to expedite the permit process across the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

They'll also be working with the Victoria Film Commission to identify gaps in service and future requirements for film industry development, including access to heavy equipment and studio space.

Developing a "one-stop shop" for movie productions, said McMurray, will make the Cowichan Valley even more attractive as it will be able to facilitate the needs of the industry and be aware of specific film productions.

McMurray asked for a letter of endorsement and the assistance of a staff member. Council referred the matter to committee for further discussion.