2021 expected to be busy year for film/TV projects in valley

Jan 16, 2021 | 9:15 AM

2021 is off to a strong start for film and television productions in the Okanagan, according to the agency in charge of attracting projects to the valley.

“Film and television production has not slowed down from the stellar year of 2020, a year of economic impact that surpassed all previous years. And, the first production in 2021 is going to camera on January 25, the start of many non-stop films and television lined up to shot here in 2021,”Jon Summerland, Okanagan Film Commissioner, stated.

Summerland added a number of “good projects” are already lined up and coming.

“Hollywood is scouting here, bigger production companies are setting up in the Okanagan, and major studios are looking.”

Summerland said several MOW’s (movies of the week) with Hallmark and Lifetime films are booked and will be bringing significant production activity into the middle of the year.

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The first Hallmark MOW, Christmas Au Pair, goes to camera on January 25. It stars two Canadian actors, Kayla Lauren Wallace (The Magicians, The Good Doctor) and Jeremey Guilbaut (A Harvest Wedding, Summer in the Vineyard). Reel One Pictures, which is involved, has set up a permanent production shop in the Okanagan in Rutland.

Summerland said a substantial anchor in the film and TV industry in the Okanagan was announced in late November when Enderby Entertainment committed to expanding its global operation in Canada with a feature film and television production office in Kelowna.

“I’m so proud to open our second office in Kelowna. We’ve fortunately been able to see the growth of the Okanagan region and all the work Jon Summerland has done with the film commission. The groundwork for the large-scale film industry has been laid,” CEO Rick Dugdale commented.

by Pete McIntyre

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