As seen on the big screen: Richmond’s booming filming industry

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Richmond, BC – In 2013, there were over 150 filming days in the City of Richmond, making it one of its busiest years for filming. Television productions and feature films got their cameras rolling, resulting in Richmond playing stage to the largest production in its history, Godzilla (2014) set to hit theatres on May 16, 2014.

Filming in Richmond exceeded projected activity targets in 2013. The City’s Film Office, established in 2007, had successful community outreach initiatives which resulted in a decrease in negative perceptions regarding filming and increased community support and cooperation. Residents’ increased fascination and awe at a chance to get an up-close-and-personal experience of what they see on TV or in the theatres is now made more possible with Hollywood sets brought close to home.

An emerging industry includes the rise of film tourism in Richmond, particularly due to the global popularity of the TV series, Once Upon A Time and other productions such as the major feature film Godzilla (2014). The Film Office often receives requests from people planning their vacations who are curious about Once Upon a Time’s next filming dates. However, for reasons of confidentiality and security, the Film Office does not disclose such information. These requests come mostly from North America, but reports of European travelers visiting the set have been mentioned by the film crews and local businesses.

To date, Godzilla (2014) has been the largest production to film in Richmond. In spring 2013, it shot for 15 days in various locations throughout the city, including Steveston Village and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Godzilla (2014) is an American science-fiction action film featuring the Japanese film monster of the same name in a reboot of the Godzilla movie franchise. It recounts the origin of Godzilla in modern times as a “terrifying force of nature” in homage to the Toho series of the Godzilla films. Godzilla (2014), which features actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston, premieres May 16, 2014 in Canada and the United States.

The City of Richmond’s Film Office continues to provide timely and responsive customer service, and will continue to work with the community and the film industry to sustainably increase filming in the city. For more information about filming in Richmond, visit www.richmond.ca/busdev/filming/filming.