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Many commercial areas in BC are used in film and tv productions.
It’s good business for BC, bringing more than $1billion to the
economy each year.
While there are obvious benefits to having a production shot in
your neighbourhood, merchants are often concerned about the effect
the work might have on their businesses.
The BC film community supports compensation for those businesses
that have been negatively impacted during a locations shoot. If you
believe that a locations shoot has cost you business, and you do not
have a separate deal with the producer, you should claim a loss with
the film production company.
If there is a Business Improvement Society in your area,
arrangements could be made with the society, the BC Film Commission
and your municipality to act as broker to ensure that your business
is fairly compensated. A claim should include proof of loss of net
profits in comparison with past days of equal activity over the
previous year. Production companies often buy products or services
for the value of the claimed gross losses to compensate for business
loss.
Meanwhile, some businesses, particularly those that take
appointments like hair salons and dentists’ offices, should not shut
down when there is a location shoot nearby. If they are worried that
their customers won’t have access to their shop a more effective
strategy is to contact the locations manager. Tell them your unique
needs and work with them to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Alternative parking arrangements or valet service for customers may
be options. You can find the name of the locations manager on the
Notification Letter, or by contacting your municipal office, or the
BC Film Commission at (604) 660-2732.
The best strategy for dealing with a locations shoot in your
neighbourhood is to consider it an opportunity. Production casts and
crews are generally a captive audience, and require the same sorts
of services and products that any visiting business people or
residents might need. Lots of local businesses have done well by
establishing a relationship with a locations manager or production
company – who come back and use those services again and again.
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