Food Network star Bob Blumer (right) on set with local winemaker Jason Parkes
Image Credit: Submitted/Kelowna Film Studio
July 11, 2023 - 6:00 PM
A movie with a $5-million budget shot in Kelowna has raised the city’s film making industry to a new level and is leading key players to talk about expansion.
“The film details cannot be shared at this time, but the scope of the project weighs in at a Tier 2 level production meaning a budget of $5 million dollars,” according to a news release from Kelowna Film Studios issued today, July 11. “The investment of the project shooting in the city follows a trend of film production decentralizing from traditional hubs and the Okanagan region is set to benefit from even more interest.”
There have been numerous films shot in the Okanagan in the $500,000 to $2 million range, which are Tier 1 level shows.
Kelowna Film Studios opened 10 months ago with a 3,200 square foot space. Over that time it has seen an increase in films and smaller projects like music videos, photoshoots and an appearance by Incredible Hulk star Lou Ferrigno, leading to plans for expansion speeding up.
“It has always been our plan to create a more substantial shooting location in the city to potentially include repurposing an area of the city,” studio owner James Alton said in the release. “Our vision is a land purchase of 20 acres to create a live-on-lot filming space for film and television purpose built in proximity to local services.”
The growth in the industry has attracted talent who are relocating to the region, including producer Norm Coyne whose films have been broadcast on Super Channel, Amazon and Apple TV. He relocated his family to Kelowna last year.
“The city is well positioned as a sustainable film industry for location shooting,” he said in the release. “You have an absolutely stunning landscape with a passionate group of talent on the ground. Kelowna will see bigger and bigger productions - guaranteed.”
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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents workers in the film industry at this level, is bringing workshops and training sessions to the city to help train workers.
“IATSE 891 takes skill development for burgeoning film communities as a top priority,” the union’s lead organizer Christopher Sano said in the release. “Here in the Okanagan we are excited to resource a growing crew base to showcase the skills and talent that will invite more productions to the valley.”
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