NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 2006TSA0018-000597 May 16, 2006

TV PRODUCTIONS DOUBLE OVER LAST MAY

VANCOUVER – The number of television productions currently underway in B.C. is double that of last year, Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich announced today.

Currently, there are 13 series and five movies-of-the-week in production. In May 2005, six series, one mini-series, one pilot and one movie-of-the-week were in production.

“Globally, we are seeing an increased interest in dramatic television series – and today’s numbers give us reason to be optimistic that 2006 will be a strong year for us as well,” said Ilich. “This is testament to our skilled crews, world-class facilities and innovative measures taken by government and industry to ensure B.C. remains competitive.”

“Our creative economy is only as strong as the talent pool within it,” said Ilich. “The film and television industry is a very fluid sector and B.C.’s creative pool is experienced and nimble enough to adjust to new conditions and seize new opportunities.”

B.C.’s film and television industry experienced a major turnaround in 2005, reaching $1.233 billion, up from $801 million in 2004. Television production in 2005 included 31 television series, 37 movies-of-the-week, 15 television pilots and five mini-series.

Television series currently shooting in B.C. include: Stargate SG-1, Battlestar Galactica, The 440, Masters of Horror and Robson Arms. New series this year include: Blade, Eureka, Kyle XY, Psych, Saved and Three Moons Over Milford. Vancouver’s Stargate SG-1 celebrated its 200th episode in March, making it the longest-running science fiction series in North America.

Domestic television production has also continued to increase. From 2002 to 2005, domestic television production spending increased 54 per cent, from $95 million to $146 million.

“I’m encouraged that the trend is up for television production, especially made-for-TV movies and series. Television series in particular utilize a high degree of B.C. expertise in key production roles,” said Neil Haggquist, executive vice-president, B.C. Branch, Canadian Film and Television Production Association.

In 2004, government established the Slate Development Fund. Administered by BC Film, this fund supports domestic film and television producers in their efforts to secure financing, bringing in investment from outside B.C. BC Film also administers B.C.’s domestic and foreign film and television production tax credits.

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British Columbia is the third-largest film and television service production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York.

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Media Shawn Robins contact: Communications Director Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 250 356-9869

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