B.C. Film and TV Industry Eyes Growth with Major Productions in 2026

The film and television industry in British Columbia is displaying a renewed sense of optimism for 2026, buoyed by significant productions like Shōgun, The Last of Us, and God of War. After facing a challenging period characterized by strikes and global contraction, the province is beginning to see recovery signs as production volumes rise.

In 2022, the industry generated a substantial $4.4 billion in spending and employed around 50,000 full-time workers. However, 2023 proved difficult, with the total expenditure dropping to just over $2 billion and full-time jobs falling to 26,000. While official numbers for 2023 from Creative B.C. are pending, industry insiders anticipate similar trends for the current year.

Recovery Signs in Production Volumes

Marnie Gee, the B.C. film commissioner, noted improvements in production volumes toward the end of 2025. “We did see our production volumes increase in late spring and early summer. I’d say that’s probably when we hit our peak,” Gee commented. Production numbers reached the mid-30s, showing a marked improvement from the previous years.

Despite the province typically being a leading jurisdiction in global film production, the lower figures were felt acutely within the industry. “We didn’t hit where we would like to have hit in terms of the number of productions,” Gee added. This downturn was attributed to various factors, including labor disputes and consolidation among streaming services and broadcasters.

Shawn Williamson, founder of Brightlight Pictures, emphasized the broader context of a global downturn in production approvals. “There has been an overall decrease in the number of productions being greenlit internationally,” he explained. The studios are now more selective about the projects they approve, assessing audience demand not just in North America but on a global scale.

Positive Outlook for Major Productions

Despite these challenges, there are promising indicators for the local industry. The return of major productions like Shōgun, which employs up to 30 makeup artists during busy shoots, signifies a positive trend. Rebecca Lee, head of the makeup department for Shōgun, highlighted the importance of these projects for employment, stating, “We’re employing people again. I’m reaching out to my trusted makeup artists and saying, ‘Hey, I need help. It’s time to work.’”

The local production landscape is also benefiting from a wider range of projects. Gemma Martini, chairperson of Screen B.C., noted an increase in active productions, reporting 24 active projects as of mid-January. The optimism extends to local unions, which have seen a higher percentage of their members working compared to the previous year.

Martini expressed confidence in the province’s competitive edge, particularly due to the recent enhancements to tax incentives. The B.C. government raised the Production Services Tax Credit from 28 to 36 percent, and the Film Incentive B.C. tax credit for Canadian-owned productions grew from 35 to 40 percent. These changes aim to attract more high-budget projects, particularly in light of increased competition from other jurisdictions.

Local line producer Catou Kearney underscored how the return of large-scale productions serves as a testament to the quality of B.C.’s crew and resources. “We’ve worked really hard to get here … we’ve worked very hard to be able to work small-budget, big-budget and everything in between,” Kearney stated.

While the landscape remains competitive with regions like the U.K. and Ireland gaining traction, the local industry believes B.C.’s reputation and infrastructure will continue to attract producers. “They love working here,” Martini noted, highlighting the province’s well-established crew, diverse locations, and ample studio space as key advantages.

As the industry gears up for 2026, there is a shared sentiment of cautious optimism. The signs of recovery are evident, with many industry professionals looking forward to more projects and increased activity. Williamson, who is currently working on the third season of a popular series, remains hopeful about future opportunities. “I’m cautious. I’ve been doing this too long. Everything’s not a go until the cheques are clearing,” he remarked, reflecting the industry’s unpredictable nature.

Overall, the B.C. film and television sector is on a path toward revitalization, supported by major productions and a strengthened commitment to attracting new projects. With a range of promising developments on the horizon, stakeholders are optimistic that 2026 will mark a turning point for the industry.