Jon Summerland of the Okanagan Film Commission discussed the past year’s activities with regional district directors on February 6.
Some of the biggest movies ever filmed in the Okanagan took place in 2014, Summerland told the board, with the prospect of 10 more major films planned for this year.
“A Coffin for Patrick Tate,” a major feature film is planned for a fall shoot at the Elkink ranch west of Osoyoos, Summerland reported. The film will be shot at the western town built on the Elkink property in 2010 for the movie “Gunless.”
Summerland said the Okanagan Film Commission was working with Okanagan College to develop an animation program cirriculum.
“These are good jobs,” he said, “animation is becoming a huge industry, the pay starts at $25,000 annually and averages $65,000.
“It’s a bit of a sweatshop, but it is a clean industry.”
Cathedral Park was among locations scouted by Summerland last year. A major television show will be shot on location in the park in the near future.
Scouts visiting the region include agents from Disney, Warner, Legendary, Paramount and Bright Light Pictures.
“A lot of people are saying nice things about us,” Summerland said adding the commission was trying to create a local “industry within the industry.” He noted an increasing incentive for movie producers to locate in the South Okanagan Similkameen came from the 400 local crew now living in the region, from Oscar winners to volunteers.
“A number of animation studios have also located here,” he concluded, “movies are increasingly being made with an animation component to them.
“It’s the way to go.”
The Okanagan Film Commission received a $24,000 grant from the Regional District Okangan Similkameen in 2013. Summerland did not make a specific request during his presentation on Thursday.