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Creative Industries Week 2023: Celebrating Creative Technology

Thursday April 20, 2023

Day four of Creative Industries Week at the legislature celebrates creative technology, interactive and digital media, bringing industry associations, businesses, studios, artists, key stakeholders, and creators together.

Calling all British Columbians to celebrate creative technology day! Celebrate B.C.’s award-winning artists and studios across the province online–share a shout-out or your favourite B.C. games and technologies to show your support, using the hashtags #PlayBC #ImmerseBC and #BCCreates across all social media platforms. Looking to discover your new favourite game? Celebrate and enjoy B.C.’s innovative storytellers and cutting-edge technologies in this Made in B.C. marketplace on Steam. View the list of games here!

Animated Video Game Still of a Space Station colliding with it's base.

Hardspace: Shipbreaker

Did you know? 
In 2021, the interactive and digital media industry contributed $1.5B Total GDP to the provincial economy. More than 13,000 people work full-time and equivalent jobs in the industry.


Join DigiBC, organizer of Creative Industries Week celebrations for the interactive and digital media industries!
DigiBC is presenting Creative Technology Day on April 20 to showcase some of the incredible work from studios across the province, spanning animation, visual effects (VFX), video games, and virtual/extended/augmented reality (VR/AR/XR). In addition, DigiBC will share some of the key education programs and EDI initiatives that the creative tech industry is developing in partnership with educators and the provincial government to ensure that B.C. continues to train and retain world-class talent while enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the sector. Follow along here!

Learn more about B.C.’s interactive + digital media industry
DigiBC
Sector and Industry Overviews
Map of Interactive + Digital Media Companies in B.C.
Discover B.C. video games 

Read about B.C.'s Interactive + Digital Media Creators

April 15, 2023 by
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Creative Industries Week 2023: Celebrating Motion Picture

Wednesday April 19, 2023

Day three of Creative Industries Week at the Legislature celebrates B.C.’s motion picture industry, bringing industry associations, studios, filmmakers, unions, guilds, service and supply companies, and key industry stakeholders together with government.

12pm April 19th: Creative Industries Week Hall of Honour Showcase
Brings government and industry together to celebrate the entire sector including a reception for MLA’s at Kwench Culture Club.

The motion picture industry invites all British Columbians to celebrate the province’s film industry together this Wednesday, which is also National Canadian Film Day with a curated line-up of content accessible to all for the day in celebration.

DISAPPEARING MOON, Dir. Petie Chalifoux and Micheal Auger

Did you know? In 2021, B.C.’s motion picture industry contributed $2.4B Total GDP to the provincial economy, generated $5.4B in Output, of which $3.78B in production spending was on the production of original storytelling content. There are over 88,000 people estimated to be part of this freelance workforce.

British Columbia’s motion picture industry takes a collaborative approach and brings heart to every production. Together, with the provincial ecosystem of film and television resources, B.C.’s motion picture industry represents a mature, full-service global motion picture hub. The industry is one of the largest hubs in North America— with world-leading expertise, supports and services from script to screen. See British Columbia’s motion picture ecosystem in this interactive map of VFX, post production, and studios.

Did you know?
Based on real-time tax credit application information available in January 2023, Creative BC early insights project that 2022 production spending on original storytelling content in B.C. will be over the $3.5B mark. More than 88,000 people work in the industry.


B.C. is a World-Leading Motion Picture Hub
As an internationally recognized hub for motion picture production, B.C. is home to a vast ecosystem of businesses and activities creating value on and off the set. Visit Creative Pathways for an in-depth introduction to the motion picture industry in B.C. including career pathways into the industry.

The five key areas are: 1) Service, Supply and Production Equipment Companies; 2) Industry Associations, Unions/Guilds, and Related Organizations; 3) Education and Training Organizations Related to Film; 4) Film Commissions + Related Government Bodies; 5) Film Festivals

The province is home to both award-winning creators of original screen-based content (represented by the membership organization Canadian Media Producers Association – BC Producers Branch, or CMPA-BC) and it is also home to a full-service production industry. The CMPA-BC estimates there are more than 200 production companies making original storytelling content in B.C. – from scripted content like feature films, movies of the week, animation, and television series, to unscripted content like documentaries, reality and talk shows.

B.C. is the largest service production hub in Canada and one of the largest in North America. with world-leading expertise, supports and services from script to screen. This side of the industry services productions by international studios, such as the members of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and its businesses, unions, guilds, and associations are all represented by the Motion Picture Producers Industry Association (MPPIA).

See British Columbia’s motion picture ecosystem in this interactive map of Animation, VFX and post production studios, and sound stage production studios, and regional film commissions.

Industry Sustainability:
Indigenous Content, Regional Growth, Environmental and Inclusive Practices

BONES OF CROWS

Indigenous Creative Content: Recent program insights from the National Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) saw that the majority of grants in 2022 programs were applied for and received by B.C. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit filmmakers, including many award winning and internationally celebrated Indigenous filmmakers. Creative BC collaborates with the ISO and is funded by the Rogers Group of Funds to deliver the Rogers Indigenous Film Fund. Many award-winning Indigenous filmmakers and films are celebrated in this province, including BONES OF CROWS, Marie Clements multi-generational epic story of resilience.

Revelstoke Lookout

Regional Activity: There are eight Regional Film Commissions that market their regions’ distinctive locations and provide localized expertise and service to productions that come to do business in them. While the Lower Mainland Southwest is a mature, full-service global motion picture hub, the Okanagan and Vancouver Island are both emerging as strong centres of production and secondary hubs. B.C. regional motion picture activity by count of productions is increasing with filming outside the Lower Mainland Southwest growing at an 8.2% Compound Annual Growth (CAGR) rate between 2014 and 2021, outpacing the 6.53% CAGR of B.C.’s overall production count during the same time frame. B.C. is a highly desirable production location as it offers A World of Looks across the province that are tremendously diverse yet proximal: from snowy peaks, and rainforests to ocean sides and deserts, and from vineyards and quaint interior towns to urban city streets.

Environmental Stewardship: Reel Green™  is Canada’s climate action catalyst – a leader in sustainable production strategy and action, with well over 20+ industry funders, 30+ national partners, and 10+ committees working on specific areas of action including Industry Best Practices, Clean Energy, and the Circular Economy for film. The Reel Green™ Lead sits within the provincial film commission at Creative BC, providing committed services and support to help Reel Green and its industry Advisory Committee advance environmental best practices in film and television.

City of Coquitlam

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Creative Pathways™ is Canada’s first motion picture industry workforce development solution—an online hub that maps a clear pathway into industry. The hub is built for career-seekers by the province’s Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC with the role of Creative Pathways™ Lead established within the provincial film commission at Creative BC. The Lead provides committed services and support to help industry participate and expand its practices that advance toward equity, inclusion and diversity in its workforce

Creative Equity Roadmap™ is a resource for B.C.’s motion picture industry to advance Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDDI) in the motion picture industry and beyond it, into B.C.’s broader creative industries. The framework includes development “lanes” for the individual, the organization, and the industry, as well as “checkpoints” – knowledge, shared goals, and trainings – that can be accessed by anyone seeking to advance JEDDI practices.

About the Industry Associations
Established in 2002, the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia (MPPIA) is a member-based non-profit organization dedicated to a strong future for B.C.’s motion picture production industry. Together, MPPIA’s diverse membership represents the ‘voice and vision’ of the motion picture production industry in British Columbia. MPPIA’s vision is to grow, diversify and promote a competitive and sustainable motion picture industry in B.C.

MPPIA members work together to inform, educate, develop and market new initiatives that ensure B.C.’s motion picture industry flourishes as part of British Columbia’s vibrant, environmentally conscious, knowledge-based economy.

The Canadian Media Producers Association – BC Producer’s Branch (CMPA-BC) is a provincial chapter of the CMPA, working on behalf of British Columbia production companies. Starting in 1948 as the Association of Motion Picture Producers and Laboratories of Canada (AMPPLC), CMPA-BC acts as B.C.’s trade association for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels. From indie films to children’s television shows, the association continues to produce an incredible array of projects — there is no doubt that one of your favourite Canadian TV shows was produced by a member of the CMPA-BC.

Learn more about B.C.’s motion picture industry:
MPPIA BC
CMPA-BC
Vancouver Post Alliance
Animation + Visual Effects Alliance
Creative Pathways™
Reel Green™
Sector and Industry Overviews
Map of Motion Picture companies, studios, suppliers in B.C.

Read about B.C.’s Filmmakers

April 15, 2023 by

Creative Industries Week 2023: Music + Sound Recording

Tuesday April 18, 2023

Day two of Creative Industries Week at the Legislature celebrates music, bringing industry associations, businesses, artists, key stakeholders, and creators together with government for a showcase event.

Calling all British Columbians to celebrate music day! Celebrate B.C. artists, festivals, and music businesses across the province online–share a shout-out or your favourite B.C. songs to show your support, using the hashtags #BCMusic #ListenBC and #BCCreates across all social media platforms.

Looking to discover your new favourite song or listen to one you already love? Celebrate and enjoy B.C.’s diverse and outstanding music industry in a frequently updated Spotify playlist, #ListenBC. A variety of genres can be found, including folk, pop, rap, hip hop, electronic, Latin and everything in between. Listen to the playlist here!

Vancouver Mural Festival by Gabriel Martins

B.C.’s music and sound recording industry plays an integral role within B.C.’s creative sector, threading the sector together through its soundtracks, stages and synergies with film, TV, digital media. B.C. is the third-largest centre for music production in Canada with a large and diverse talent pool of award-winning artists and labels. Recognized for a broad cross-section of music genres from pop, rock, classical and blues to folk, jazz and beyond, B.C.’s music and sound recording industry boasts over 280 recording studios and record labels.

Did you know?
In 2021, B.C. music + sound recording contributed $286M Total GDP to the provincial economy. More than 11,000 people work in the industry and there are over 5,500 full-time and equivalent jobs across the province.

Music BC Presents LET’S HEAR IT VICTORIA Concert
If you’re in Victoria on April 18, 2023, join us at The Duke and see XL The Band, Nicki MacKenzie and Désirée Dawson, recent SXSW award winner. Doors at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.


Join Music BC, organizer of Creative Industries Week celebrations for the music and sound recording industries!
Music BC is the industry’s membership association, serving the for-profit and non-profit music industry, with a broad membership including artists, industry professionals, service providers, studios, promoters, venues, festivals, producers, agents, managers and educational institutions. An essential part of the province’s creative economy and industry, Music BC provides opportunities to further the careers of B.C.’s music creatives and professionals. The association is the voice of the B.C. music industry locally, domestically and internationally, through active advocacy.

Learn more about B.C.’s music + sound recording industry
Music BC
First Peoples’ Cultural Council
Sector and Industry Overviews
Creative BC Amplify BC Impact Report
Map of Music + Sound Recording Companies in B.C.
Amplify BC-funded-creator stories

Read about B.C.’s Music + Sound Recording Creators

April 14, 2023 by

Finalists announced for 2023 BC and Yukon Book Prizes #2

The West Coast Book Society has announced the finalists for the 2023 B.C. and Yukon Book Prizes. This year, all titles are from British Columbia. The winners of each of the eight categories will be announced at a gala in Vancouver on September 24.   Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize Marion Ehrenberg, The Language of Dreams (Friesen Press) Billy-Ray […]

April 14, 2023 by

Books, the Third Place, and Career Shifts: the Story of Julie Wilkins and Squamish’s Little Bookshop

  Julie Wilkins didn’t plan to go into the independent bookstore business. She especially didn’t plan to write the picture book We’re Happy You’re Here, to be published in 2024 by Orca Book Publishers. Inspired by her best friend’s surrogacy, We’re Happy You’re Here is a love letter to small humans, encouraging families to talk about their […]

March 31, 2023 by

Four Magazine Launches and a Booksale

The cherry blossoms are out in Vancouver and so are new issues and volumes from your favourite B.C. magazines. Enjoy the sunshine on your way to meet other magazine aficionados at the following 2023 Spring magazine events: What: To celebrate the release of Issue 3.49, “Bad Feelings,” you are invited to join a panel discussion with Guest […]

March 22, 2023 by
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Amanda Sum and team win 2023 SXSW Music Video Jury Award for ‘Different Than Before’

Amanda Sum’s ‘Different Than Before’ takes home the 2023 Music Video Jury Award at SXSW. The award-winning music video follows a family of five celebrating the eldest daughter’s engagement at a Chinese restaurant. Each family member takes a turn joyfully singing karaoke on stage until a group of racist hecklers try to ruin their celebration. The […]

March 20, 2023 by
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Whipped Cream “The Dark” VR Experience World Premiere at SXSW

“The Dark” featuring Monstercat artists Whipped Cream, Jasiah & Crimson Child, presents a new VR experience that blends electronic and opera music in an emotion-oriented story about a toxic relationship. Captured volumetrically at The Departure Lounge‘s Metastage, this VR experience showcase next-generational immersive storytelling, featuring amazing photorealistic holographic performances. Be taken into the future of […]

March 6, 2023 by