B.C. film production up almost 30 percent in 2008

The B.C. film industry enjoyed a remarkable recovery in 2008.

According to figures released today (March 9)  by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, motion-picture spending reached $1.2 billion last year, an increase of more than $250 million over the previous year.

Foreign-film production saw the biggest increase, shooting up 146 percent to $442 million. Foreign production overall, including television, was up 57 percent to $841 million.

The domestic side, however, was down 10 percent, falling to $366 million from $408 million. Domestic animation, on the other hand, was up 79 percent to $96 million.

There were 86 foreign productions shot in B.C. in 2008, including 40 feature films.