Filming underway in the Kamloops area. (Photo via Thompson Nicola Film Commission)
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission is preparing to release an updated version of its strategic plan this month.
Film Commissioner Terri Hadwin says they’ve worked with various stakeholders to determine areas where the Film Commission should focus its efforts on, and where it should take a step back.
“It’s always great when you hear I would like to see more of this. Okay, well what is more? And do you know what we’re already doing?” Hadwin told the TNRD Board.
“That is always an important measurable, like what is a number for success so that at the end of the year we can say, ‘yes, we have achieved that’ or ‘it needs work.’
Hadwin used the LiveMusicThompsonNicola website as an example of a project being reevaluated. That website, which is operated by the TNFC, aims to help visitors and residents find live music performances in the Thompson-Nicola region and Lillooet.
While the site aims to help musicians “gain exposure” while supporting live music venues, Hadwin said it doesn’t exactly fall within the purview of the Film Commission, which supports productions looking to film in and around the Kamloops area.
“Yes, its great when we can say the economic value of what we are bringing in, but is that hitting the mark? Is that what our communities want to see? Is that what our residents want to see? Is that what our film producers want to see?” Hadwin said.
“We were really wanting to engage with them, hear from them where we’re meeting our mark and where we can improve.”
Hadwin says 2024 is expected to be a busy year for the Kamloops film and TV industry, after a slower 2023 in part because of strikes by both writers and actors in Hollywood.
The industry is expected to bring in between $24-million and $26 million in revenue this year, up from the roughly $6.25 million last year and $18 million in 2022.
“We do have some projects that are sounding pretty exciting that are looking towards our way, so we’re hoping to bring those into fruition,” Hadwin said.
“We’re definitely going to exceed 2023, its just matter of how much.”
