Vancouver: The Rise of “Hollywood North” – A Production Powerhouse
Vancouver — affectionately known as Hollywood North — isn’t just a scenic Pacific coast city. Over the past few decades, it’s become one of the top three film and television production hubs in North America, trailing only Los Angeles and New York. The vibrant industry in Hollywood North brings numerous global opportunities to local talents.
From Cloud-Covered Beginnings to Blockbuster Headquarters
The region’s film roots stretch back to the 1910s, but modern growth began in 1977, when the provincial government opened its first film development office. That strategic move led to blockbuster productions like Deadpool, Arrow, X-Men, and The Interview being filmed right here in Hollywood North.
Today, British Columbia hosts over 120 major productions annually, creating jobs and putting Canadian talent on the global map. According to Creative BC, film and TV production now contributes more than $3.6 billion to the provincial economy every year.
Why Filmmakers Love It Here
Tax incentives: B.C. offers generous tax credits such as the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) and Canada’s CPTC, helping foreign and domestic producers save big.
Time & access: In the same time zone as Los Angeles, and only a short flight away, making Hollywood North an accessible production hub.
Diverse scenery: Snowy mountains, gritty downtown alleys, and lush forests — all within 30 minutes of each other.
Mild climate: The city’s overcast weather provides ideal, even lighting conditions for filming.
Behind the Curtain: World-Class Studios
Vancouver’s infrastructure is top-tier, featuring several high-end production spaces:
- Vancouver Film Studios – One of North America’s largest studio campuses, hosting hits like Arrow and Fifty Shades of Grey. These facilities are central to Hollywood North.
- North Shore Studios – Known for hosting series like The Flash and The Good Doctor.
- Bridge Studios – The go-to for fantasy epics like Once Upon a Time and Stargate.
- Mammoth Studios – Famous for its massive soundstages used in blockbuster franchises.
Meet the Local Legends
This city has produced and nurtured a growing roster of talent:
- Justis Greene – A pioneer who helped launch Vancouver’s global reputation. His credits include Tron: Legacy, The X-Files, and Bates Motel. Greene’s impact on Hollywood North has been transformative.
- Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg – Vancouver-raised filmmakers known for Superbad and This Is the End.
- Neal Blomkamp – Director of District 9 and Elysium, raised in B.C. and known for pushing sci-fi storytelling forward.
Real Talk: Challenges and Next Steps
While production is booming, local professionals voice concerns over:
- AI and digital disruption
- Labor instability post-strike
- Rising living costs impacting crew members
- Underrepresentation of Indigenous and diverse voices
Tourism, Fans & the Local Economy
Film tourism is a growing trend. Fans flock to filming locations like:
- Gastown – Featured in The Flash and Deadpool
- Georgia Viaduct – Key set in Deadpool’s highway battle scene
- Chinatown & Stanley Park – Frequently transformed into everything from New York to Tokyo
Explore More
- Dive into Creative BC’s incentives
- Browse North Shore Studios and their film history in Hollywood North
- Read about Justis Greene’s legacy
