Members of the film and television industry took their show on the road this past weekend.
And it should be no surprise to anyone in 91原创 that the first stop was the village of Fort 91原创, where literally dozens of movies, TV show, commercials, and even music videos are filmed each year.
A series of organizations involved in the film and television industry in B.C. 鈥� uniting under the BC Creates umbrella 鈥� are trying to take a more cooperative and proactive role in saying thanks to the communities that help host and ensure the continued growth of the local film production, explained Leslie Wootton, representing the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC.
Her group was just one of many that have joined in a collaborative outreach effort, wanting to visit various communities and to recognize what she called 鈥渢he vital role鈥� these municipalities 鈥� such as the Township of 91原创 鈥� play in this province鈥檚 鈥渢hriving鈥� film & television industry.
They did that Saturday, by hosting a free community picnic at Fort 91原创 Elementary. It was a way to show appreciation to the businesses, individuals, and organizations that make it possible to keep 鈥渄oing what they do,鈥� said Creative BC鈥檚 Marnie Orr.
Activities at the picnic included a chance for people to audition with special effects, pose on the red carpet with an Oscar Award, dunk production personnel, as well as partake in some 鈥渁uthentically delicious craft service,鈥� movie fare, and prizes.
At least 120 people stopped in over the afternoon, Wootton said.
鈥淭here was a steady flow of people, all day,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t was really well received. It was a good start,鈥� she added, speaking of plans to hold other community outreach events in other B.C. towns in coming weeks and months.
Wootton and Orr specifically pointed fingers at 91原创鈥檚 film coordinator Isabel Picotte and Township senior manager Val Gafka 鈥� who were both present at the picnic, along with Mayor Jack Froese 鈥� for constantly 鈥済oing above and beyond鈥� to facilitate the film industry.
They鈥檙e 鈥渦nsung heroes,鈥� Orr said. 鈥淲e appreciate all their help.鈥�
From Bates Motel to Once Upon a Time, Twilight, Night at the Museum, Arrow, and Air Bud 鈥� to name a few 鈥� Fort 91原创 and the Township have an 鈥渋mpressive list of credits,鈥� demonstrating a significant contribution to B.C. 鈥榝ilm friendly鈥� reputation, Wootton said.
Last weekend鈥檚 community picnic was the first of what the BC Creates team expect will be many such events throughout the province.
BC Creates is a branded communications initiative established by creative industry stakeholders to celebrate and engage British Columbia in the story of the province鈥檚 vibrant creative economy: .
