B.C.’s film and TV industry hoping for a rebound in 2026

Following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, labour disruptions in Hollywood, increased competition from streamers and an unstable economy, one of the biggest industries in B.C. is hoping for a much-needed turnaround this year.

B.C. Film Commissioner Marnie Gee leads the commission at Creative BC. She describes 2025 as a “difficult year,” a trend that’s continued for the past few years.

“It’s not just here in B.C.; we’re seeing it globally. It’s not one thing; it’s a number of things. Although we did see an increase to our production volume in late spring/early summer of 2025, it wasn’t where we would like to be,” said Gee.

She doesn’t have exact numbers, but explains there was a definite shortfall last year.

“We know at some point we probably hit around 40 productions at one time in British Columbia. Historically, we would get up into the mid-50’s,” said Gee, pointing out that some of those booked productions, which include TV and movies, won’t start filming until 2026.

Gee says Creative BC has been working with the provincial government for support, which includes a move by Victoria announced in late 2024 to increase tax credits for film productions.

“We knew we weren’t competitive… so in January of 2025, there was an eight per cent increase to our labour-based incentive program as well as an additional bump to our B.C.-based creator program.”

“There are certain things that B.C. has that they’re nowhere else in the world.”

While once globally recognized as ‘Hollywood North,’ Gee explains the time has come in which B.C. can no longer bank on its beauty to attract big projects.

“There are probably at least eight to 10 jurisdictions that we are competing with now that weren’t there 15 years ago. It’s the global competition, it’s the contraction, it was the strikes in 2023, and all of that is what we’ve been looking at in the last few years to make sure B.C. continues to be a strong leader in the sector.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Gee thinks it’s shaping up “well” so far, as workers lean on production behind the camera.

“I think we are cautiously optimistic. It’s looking to be a good year. And that’s for physical production, and we have an incredibly strong internationally known visual effects, post, and animation sector. So, when you’re watching a television show or movie, you may see the Creative BC and provincial logo and think, ‘I didn’t know that was filmed here.’ But it could have very likely had visual effects, post, or animation done here. We can see the tides are turning.”

Behind the scenes, Gee says, Creative BC is working to make the province as attractive as possible on the world stage.

“The labour organizations are consistently working on workforce development and mentorship. It’s not just in the Lower Mainland, but we’re seeing great success on Vancouver Island, and up through the Okanagan and the Thompson-Nicola region. There are a lot of offerings for B.C. It’s amazing to have a great, stable incentive… we’re three hours out of Los Angeles, so there are certain things that B.C. has that they’re nowhere else in the world.”

In the last five years, Gee says B.C. has become known for producing popular, award-winning television series like ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Last of Us,’ but says films are keeping up their pace.

“Hallmark, obviously, has had a very long supportive relationship with British Columbia, so 2026 is looking to be better than 2025, and we’re certainly hopeful we’re going to see those production volumes increase.”

At a time when B.C.’s debt levels are spiralling out of control, she maintains that keeping this industry humming is crucial.

“It is about jobs. We all love watching television series, but the motion-picture sector is about jobs. It’s about economic impact. The ripple effect into the economy, in terms of what’s spent in a community when a motion picture, film, or television series comes through a community, and goes to the coffee shop, and uses the drycleaner, and eats in the restaurants, and hotels, etc.: I think it’s part of the fabric of B.C. now.”

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport admits the past few years have been challenging when it comes to production, in B.C. and on a global scale.

“To ensure long term sustainability, the province is developing a Provincial Motion Picture Strategy in partnership with industry partners and Creative BC. The strategy will set a framework for the coming years to diversify support beyond tax incentives and identify targeted, achievable actions that strengthen competitiveness, support job creation, and help protect B.C.’s industry from global market shifts. This work reflects our commitment to keeping B.C. a destination of choice for film and television production and ensuring a stronger, more resilient industry heading into 2026 and beyond.”

The TV and film industry in B.C. employs more than 70,000 people, including 26,000 direct jobs, according to the ministry. The industry is considered a major economic driver, contributing more than $2 billion in GDP in 2023.