B.C. Steps into the Spotlight, Playing Itself More Often in Film and TV

British Columbia’s diverse landscapes and talented crews have long made it a favorite filming location for Hollywood productions, often standing in for cities like New York or Seattle. But according to industry insiders, B.C. is increasingly stepping into its own spotlight, playing itself in films and TV shows — a trend that’s creating opportunities for the local industry and boosting regional pride.

For decades, Vancouver has been dubbed Hollywood North, with its urban skyline and natural backdrops used to depict everything from bustling American cities to picturesque European villages. Other areas in the province have also seen transformations: Kamloops has doubled as California, Smithers stood in for Antarctica, and Victoria played Massachusetts.

Now, however, projects like Allegiance, a CBC series shot and set in Surrey, are allowing B.C. to shine on screen as itself.

“There’s a sense of pride when our home is authentically portrayed,” said Tex Antonucci, executive producer of Allegiance and a native of B.C.’s Lower Mainland.

Local Stories, Global Impact

B.C. Film Commissioner Marnie Gee says the shift is especially noticeable in domestic productions over the last decade.

“We’ve been playing other cities, other countries, other continents for decades,” she said. “But there’s been an increase in productions where we’re actually playing British Columbia.”

Recent projects set in B.C. include Riceboy Sleeps, Fakes, Family Law, and Under the Bridge.

Actor and director Omari Newton, who leads the acting department at Vancouver Film School, believes this authenticity is critical for the industry.

“The more stories set and shot in B.C., the more exposure our local talent gets,” Newton said. “It’s also freeing for actors to use their natural accents and voices, rather than adopting Americanized tones to fit a fictional setting.”

Newton credits figures like Seth Rogen and Ryan Reynolds, who proudly promote their Vancouver roots, for helping this trend gain momentum. He hopes other industry heavyweights follow suit.

“If producers and writers with clout champion B.C. as itself, we’ll see more of these projects,” Newton said.

Economic Impact

The provincial government has also played a significant role in promoting B.C.’s film industry. Earlier this month, the province increased tax incentives for international productions from 28 to 36 per cent and Canadian-made projects from 35 to 36 per cent.

Finance Minister Brenda Bailey highlighted the industry’s significance during a November trip to Los Angeles, where she met with executives from Warner Bros. and other studios.

More than 47,000 British Columbians work in the film and TV industry, which contributes $3.3 billion annually to the province’s economy.

“Production couldn’t operate in the province without the support of local governments and tax incentives,” said Gee.

As B.C.’s communities play themselves more often on screen, they’re not just telling stories — they’re helping to redefine the province’s role in the global film industry.

“It’s a chance to show the world what makes B.C. special,” said Antonucci. “And that’s worth celebrating.”