B.C. Film Location Policy

British Columbia is a globally renowned filming destination, with a motion picture industry that’s a key contributor to B.C.’s economy and a significant generator of jobs.

B.C.’s success is driven by our diverse locations, world-class infrastructure, vendors, talent, and highly skilled crews, and it has earned us a global reputation for excellence.

The Province of B.C. (the Province) is committed to meeting high service standards, and working with the motion picture industry to ensure its continued success, as demonstrated by this sector specific policy framework.

We are responsible for granting access to many desirable filming locations such as highways, dams, transportation networks, and physical properties, as well as locations within provincial parks and protected areas.

The B.C. Film Location Policy (the Policy) outlines what the motion picture industry can expect, and what is expected of them while filming in locations managed by the Province.

This Policy is intended to provide certainty, accountability, and transparency for industry. It recognizes the importance of the industry to B.C., while emphasizing the need to protect people and the land, including provincially managed filming locations.

The Province is committed to diversity and inclusion, and to fostering a sustainable, equitable and inclusive motion picture industry that benefits all people and communities in B.C., while stewarding the environment and continuing to deliver quality public services.

The policy includes the following direction:

• B.C. is open for business
• Decisions will be timely and transparent
• Prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous Governing Bodies
• Respecting people and the land 
• Public services must be delivered
• Implementation and delivery
• Fees will be fair and reasonable
• Partnership and Collaboration

View this policy as a PDF.

B.C. is open for business

The Province is committed to supporting the motion picture industry and working to understand and meet industry’s needs. This includes starting with an attitude of “yes” when assessing applications, remaining open-minded to opportunities for collaboration, seeking creative solutions, and actively problem solving so the industry can continue to drive economic growth.

Equally, approvals for use of provincially managed properties will prioritize the wellness of people and the land, and address priorities identified by Indigenous governing bodies, local communities and governments.

Decisions will be timely and transparent

Filming is time sensitive and requires expedited decision making. The Province is committed to making decisions in a timely manner. Provincial organizations will provide a clear rationale for their decisions.

Approval timelines may vary according to the complexity of the request; Indigenous governing bodies need sufficient time to consider filming requests, if applicable.

Prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous Governing Bodies

Indigenous people have been stewarding the lands in what we now call British Columbia since time immemorial. When making decisions about filming activity the Province will work with Indigenous governing bodies to protect the health and well-being of communities and their territories.

This Policy reinforces the Province’s duty to consult, cooperate with, and accommodate Indigenous peoples as appropriate, and to advance government-to-government relationships with modern treaty nations. It is the responsibility of the Province to determine whether its legal duty to consult has been triggered, and if so to facilitate any necessary connections and ensure that consultation happens to the extent required.

The Province and the motion picture industry will collaborate with Indigenous governing bodies to establish a shared understanding of the proposed activities, local community priorities, and to identify outcomes that benefit everyone involved.

The Province encourages the motion picture industry to establish positive relationships with Indigenous partners. Engaging early and meaningfully, and respecting local customs and protocols are key to building collaborative relationships with Indigenous governing bodies.

Respecting people and the land

The B.C. motion picture industry is recognized worldwide for its socially and environmentally responsible production practices. The Province expects the motion picture industry to continue to minimize its impacts and adhere to environmental regulations, and act as good stewards of the land.

Where applicable, Provincial decisions will be rooted in an understanding of Indigenous perspectives. This includes taking steps to protect both culturally significant and environmentally sensitive sites, and the rights to cultural practices such as harvesting and hunting.

Public services must be delivered

Filming on provincially managed public property should occur with a minimum of inconvenience to the public. Government services identified by the relevant provincial agency as being essential will not be impaired by film activity.

Implementation and delivery

Provincial agencies will provide production companies with clear and transparent information on application and consultation requirements, review processes, available locations and fee composition.

Fees will be fair and reasonable

Each Provincial agency will set fees for usage. The costs associated with production, including administrative costs, liabilities, reclamation, and remediation will be covered by industry and not by the Province.

Industry and Government will collaborate respectfully

The success of B.C.’s motion picture industry is founded on creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The Province’s relationship with the sector is based on transparency, reciprocity, trust, and respect. 

To support successful productions in B.C. industry will:

• Practice due diligence in meeting government requirements, planning and preparation, as well as environmental mitigation and remediation
• Seek creative solutions that fit within government guidelines and regulations
• Prioritize public safety
• Act in good faith and with integrity

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Indigenous governing body means a council, government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, community or people that holds rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.