Film production in the Okanagan brought nearly $24 million into the local economy in 2019, according to a new report. 

The figure, calculated by the Okanagan Film Commission (OFC), is based on cash being spent by crews on equipment, hotels, catering and other essentials. 

The commission is funded by the Regional Districts of the North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen and the Boundary Economic Development Committee. 

It costs just under $300,000 to run. 

In the commission’s report, which is due to be presented to politicians in the region, productions are listed alongside their economic benefit to the area. 

Photo credit: File

Notable examples include: 

• The Last Victim, starring Ron Perlman, brought in just over $5 million

• Chained brought in $1.875 million 

• Alice In Winterland brought in $2.16 million

• Finders Keepers brought in $1.3 million

• National Geographic Travel brought in $300,000

Jon Summerland, the film commissioner, said the OFC is “aggressively looking for new clients.” 

He added: “We follow many companies in film, animation, book, graphic novel, etc. using their websites, industry websites, tradeshows, and social media. 

“We are always first to know if a book has been optioned for film or an animation or company is expanding. We contact companies that currently outsource work to foreign companies and sell our region as a local outsource that comes with expertise and savings without the hassle of working abroad. 

“We will contact any and all leads using individually designed marketing, all built especially for the project.”