British Columbia Produces

British Columbia is a world-class

motion picture production center with
numerous studios – some of the largest
in North America. We offer a full range of
equipment, support services, experienced
crew base, and production and post
production companies.

Talent, Energy, Heart

British Columbia invites you to take a

close look at our province. We offer
every competitive advantage to help you
complete your production on time and
on budget. We offer the talent, energy
and heart your film needs with this simple
promise: when it comes to making a film,
BC produces.

A World of Looks

Then of course there’s the spectacular

scenery covering nine different climatic
zones…from lush rain forests to
sun-baked deserts…all in close proximity
to Vancouver, a major portcity with a mild
west coast climate that allows for year
round filming.

British Columbia is a place where

business, government, labour and the
community work together to support the
province’s motion picture film industry.
BC has developed a user-friendly

Location Managers Guide

permitting processes, designed to make
life as easy as possible for filmmakers,
and offers competitive tax incentives and
a business-friendly workforce with a
tradition of stability.

www.bcfilmcommission.com

British Columbia Produces . . .
British Columbia is one of the busiest motion picture
production centres in North America.
With hundreds of productions generating thousands
of jobs for British Columbians, the industry ranks as
one of the province’s success stories and a potent
economic force.
Why do people like to bring their productions to
BC? It’s simple. We offer:
A World of Looks in locations
World class facilities
Very competitive costs
A vast, highly skilled workforce
A favourable currency exchange rate
Supportive and proactive governments
One of the greatest things about BC is its range of
scenery and scenarios: from big cities, to seascapes,
to mountain wildernesses, to Wild West towns.
British Columbia has A World of Looks for motion pic-
ture producers.
Commitment to the Industry
British Columbia’s Provincial Government is
committed to supporting the motion picture
production industry in this province, and
encourages producers to bring their projects here.
L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E
To support this commitment, the province is working
to ensure:
Timely decisions (within five working days
whenever possible), for any producer who wants
to film at a property or location operated by the
province
Accountability, supported by clear, written
decisions
Transparency, including provision of all information
about locations and the decision-making process
readily available to producers
Competitive fees
Simple and accessible permit and application
processes
At the same time, government has some expecta-
tions of industry that include:
Location filming at government sites cannot
unreasonably inconvenience the public
No essential government service will be impaired
by film activity
Industry will assume appropriate risks – including
the costs of production, liabilities, reclamation and
remediation
All productions will honour the Best Practices -
Motion Picture Locations Code of Conduct
PRODUCTION GUIDE 1
 A World of Looks - Location Manager’s Guide
There are three simple rules of business: location, location, location.
At the British Columbia Film Commission, we
recognize that these are as important to filmmaking as
they are to any other business. That’s why we’re doing
our best to help you find the perfect location for your
production needs.
Key to our service strategy is the work of locations
managers and scouts around the province. They are
the public face of the industry – people you can rely
on to get the job done.
This guide helps producers, location managers and
scouts do their job more effectively. Inside, there’s
information and forms for visiting producers and their
crews and for local residents who are affected by the
ongoing productions. The information ensures
consistent service across the province, and helps you
do all the necessary paperwork with a minimum of
fuss.
The Layout is simple…there are 5 components:
1. Players: key location resources, government
agencies and safety considerations
2. Location Preparation Check List: which walks
through the process of finding and securing
locations in BC
2
3. BCFC Info Sheets: which provide location-related
information for the general public:
Best Practices-Motion Picture Locations
Code of Conduct
A World of Looks
Registering Your Property
Motion Picture Production and my Property
Motion Picture Production and my Business
4. Notification Letter (sample): clearly communi-
cates with those impacted by production
5. BCFC Forms/worksheets: to assist with
production and location management:
Production Registration
Location Worksheet
Street Use Request
Loss of Business Claim
Incident Report
Wrap Form
Please feel free to photocopy any of this material,
or visit our website to download the most recent
versions. For further information, or to ‘Register
a Production’ in any BC location, visit the British
Columbia Film Commission at:
www.bcfilmcommission.com
 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Players

British Columbia Government

For a wide variety of potential film locations - such as raw land,

water, buildings, structures, highways, parks, vehicles, and
items of virtually any description - the provincial government is
owner or property manager and in a position to grant access,
and set terms and conditions.

Virtually every government ministry, agency and
Crown Corporation manages property that may be
an attractive or useful location for motion
picture producers.
In some cases, you will need permission from other
levels of government or regulating bodies such as
police or fire to access provincial sites. For example,
use of special effects such as simulated gunfire and
explosions may require participation by municipal
police or fire authorities. Municipal boundaries may
encompass provincially controlled areas, and
municipal or regional permit fees may apply.
Contact information for all agencies and levels of
government is available in the Contacts module of the
BC Film Commission Production Guide.
Key Resources
ARES’ main site for film and TV production is River-
view Hospital, located in the Lower Mainland area.
This site offers production crews ample open space
and large vacant facilities within easy distance of
major urban centres. Production crews can build sets
and leave then standing for later use by other
production crews. Robson Square and the Vancvouer
Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver are also frequently
requested sites.
When using ARES buildings, producers also have to
contact the appropriate municipality or regional
district, which will require permits (filming, electrical
etc.) prior to filming. Municipal film offices also track
frequency of use and manage this use to avoid
location burn out.
ARES website provides location managers with a
downloadable filming application and contract
guidelines.

Visit the BC Film Commission website for an

up-to-date list of contact names and numbers: British Columbia Hydro
www.bcfilmcommission.com www.bchydro.com

ARES - Accomodation & Real Estate BC Hydro is a Crown corporation – an arms-length

Services - formely (BCBC) company within government – that operates the
www.bcbc.bc.ca province-wide electrical utility. BC Hydro offers a
variety of location opportunities, including reservoirs
As the province’s landlord, ARES has become and associated land, and BC Hydro office buildings.
increasingly involved in this induestry for over 20
years.

PRODUCTION GUIDE 3
 In particular, BC Hydro encourages filming at its
Recreation Areas. The most popular areas include:
Buntzen Lake, Hayward Lake, and Jones Lake
Recreation Areas. All of these sites are located near
Vancouver. Also available for filming is the Power
House at Stave Falls, an authentic 1912 generating
station that has been decommissioned and turned
into a first-class interpretive centre. A virtual tour of
the site is available on BC Hydro’s website.
Ministry of Tourism, Sport & the Arts
www.tsa.gov.bc.ca
The BC Film Commission is part of the Ministry of
Tourism, Sport & the Arts also oversees the use of
government-owned heritage sites. Film Makers are
invited to explore the fascinating legacy of British
Columbia’s heritage.
The Heritage Branch oversees and monitor the
management of eleven unique provincially-owned
historic sites. Most of these properties are managed
through a 15-year Site Management Agreement with
community-based site managers. To visit their
website click here
Intergrated Land Management
http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca
ILMB provides a range of services to the public,
businesses, and government. Working on behalf of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and other pro-
vincial ministries and agencies, ILMB assists a range
of clients outside of and within the provincial govern-
ment by: coordinating applications for
access to Crown resources (tenures, permits,
licenses, Crown grants, etc.) through regional
FrontCounter BC offices; administrating Crown land
through tenures, permits, and sales; developing,
implementing and revising land use plans; managing
and delivering natural resource sector information;
and prioritizing and coordinating recovery planning for
broad-ranging species-at-risk.
Front Counter BC is a single window service for cli-
ents of provincal natural resource ministries and agen-
cies. Ministry permit applications and permit guides
are available on the website just click here
4
Ministry of Environment
www.env.gov.bc.ca
This ministry oversees all provincial parks, ecological
reserves, protected areas and waterways, and in-
cludes wildlife management strategies in its mandate.
Parks and protected areas comprise over 12 percent
of British Columbia. The ministry’s main job is the
protection of BC’s natural environment, but is also
geared to serve the film industry whenever possible.
Permit application forms are available on the ministry
website, click here
Ministry of Forests and Range
www.gov.bc.ca/for
While most public land in BC is administered by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, some areas are the
responsibility of the Ministry of Forests and Range. A
good example is the former Green Timbers nursery in
Surrey, a popular location near Vancouver.
If you’re wondering about a site, the best idea is to
contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands first;
they’ll direct you to the appropriate ministry.
Ministry of Transportation
www.th.gov.bc.ca
The Ministry of Transportation issues permits for
filming on provincial roads, including all roads outside
municipal boundaries, and portions of some major
highways that run through municipalities. Permits may
also need to be coordinated with local police and
municipal authorities. The ministry website has
applications and information.
Legislative Assembly
www.leg.bc.ca
The stately Legislative Assembly in Victoria offers
great exterior and interior opportunities. Built more
than 100 years ago, the building combines both new
and old-world elements. A virtual tour is available
online.

Other Levels of Government
Local Governments
http://www.bcfilmcommission.ca
Local governments oversee municipal lands, build-
ings (including schools and libraries) and roads. Most
municipal governments, such as the City of Vancouver
and the City of Burnaby, have film production guide-
lines – covering issues including parking, traffic control
and fire regulations. Many have full-time motion pic-
ture coordination staff.
There are also regional authorities that oversee
common resources like water, sewage systems, and
transit (e.g. bridges, rapid transit, bus systems). They
also represent some unorganized territories where
municipal governments do not exist.
Regional authorities include Regional Districts and
Transit Authorities such as the Greater Vancouver Re-
gional District, Capital Regional District and Greater
Vancouver Transit Authority (Translink). In the case
of Island communities, The Islands Trust. Where the
regional government owns facilities, it is directly in-
volved in permitting.
Contact names and numbers for Local and Regional
Authorities can be found in the Industry Contacts
section or click on Industry Contacts
Regional Film Commissions
http://www.bcfilmcommission.ca
Regional FIlm Commissions are committed to pro-
viding excellent support and service to productions
taking advantage of the diverse and spectacular loca-
tions British Columbia has to offer. Each regional film
commissioner is an expert in their area and provides
on-the-ground assistance with scouting, surveys and
access to locations. They provide vital resources to
producers taking advantage of the BC Regional Tax
Credit. They have also committed to participate in the
expansion of the British Columbia Film Commission’s
digital photo library by undertaking the creation of a
comprehensive inventory of each region’s unique and
spectacular locations. Regions are keen to welcome
L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E
filming to their area and with the BC Regional Tax
Credit can make working outside the zone creatively
rewarding as well as cost effective.
Federal Government
A number of federal ministries and agencies are
essential contacts for location managers. These
include:
Transport Canada must approve any aircraft use,
including both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulates
ocean fish habitats; Environment Canada oversees
wildlife habitats in federal parks. Both agencies
need to be involved if a production could
potentially impact either kind of habitat
The Canadian Coast Guard controls lighthouses,
lighthouse parks, and some rescue boats and
helicopters
Heritage Canada operates several national his-
toric sites and national park reserves available for
filming. A list of these sites, grouped by region of
British Columbia and by type of site, is online just
click here
Aboriginal Government
The band manager or chief of a First Nation band must
be contacted before any scouting/filming can take place.
Ports
British Columbia offers a range of airport and seaport
locations, most of which are operated by a locally
based authority. For example, seaports in Vancouver,
Fraser River, North Fraser, and Prince Rupert are the
responsibility of the regional port authorities. Various
airports also offer filming locations, including
Vancouver International, Boundary Bay, Abbotsford,
Pitt Meadows, Langley, and the Helijet service in
Vancouver Harbour. Some, such as Vancouver
PRODUCTION GUIDE 5

International Airport, have developed guidelines for
filming. The BC Film Commission website provides
direct contact information.
Safety Considerations
Aircraft
Transport Canada must approve any aircraft use,
including both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The
Aircraft Company is responsible to contact Transport
Canada. Typically a permit requires ten days for
approval, and a fee is charged for the application.
Electrical Requirements
www.safetyauthority.ca
Permits are required for any lighting equipment and
other use of electricity. Some cities handle their own
electrical permits. These include Burnaby, Maple
Ridge, North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District,
Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, and West Vancouver. Most
other cities and towns require a provincial permit.
You can apply for the provincial permit at the website
above or click here
Explosives Regulation
Pyrotechnic Event Approval
www.nrcan.gc.ca
To apply for event approval, you must present to the
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ):
a complete Event Approval Application
(or approved form)
a Pyrotechnic Special Effects Certification Card
(or facsimile)
a Pyro Effects Plan or Letter of Intent
Please allow (preferably) ten working days before
the event
Pyro Effects Plan or Letter of Intent
The AHJ may request a Pyro Effects Plan or Letter of
6
Intent. A Letter of Intent is usually satisfactory for film
and television productions and should include:
Locations and dates for filming of effects
General description of the scene
Effects to be used and their fabrication
Anticipated result
Safety measures to be taken
Method of determining safety distances
Copies of Event Approval and Pyro Effects Plan/
Letter of Intent must be available on set.
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Fire Chief/Fire Protection Office
Film Commissioner
Police Forces
Provincial Occupational Health (WCB) & Safety
Organizations (SHAPE) or equivalent
Designated representatives for event approval or
site inspections
Demonstrations (Show and Tell)
A demonstration may be required to determine if the
effect can be performed safely. It is understood that
this is not always feasible in film and television
production, due to the one-off nature of many
performances.
Special Considerations
If you are based outside of Canada, and you are
participating in the production of a pyrotechnic special
effects event in Canada, you must:
Employ a certified Canadian technician of the
applicable class
Obtain a Visitor Card from the Explosives
Regulatory Division in addition to your work permit
(see Federal – Immigration)
For information on the certification of pyrotechnics
and pyrotechnical personnel, please refer to the
Pyrotechnic Special Effects Manual on the website by
clicking here .
 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Fire Traffic Control

Municipal fire departments must be notified when
staging any stunts related to fire or explosions.
Typically, a fire fighter plan is required, involving the
presence of fire or water trucks.
Firearms
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
www.th.gov.bc.ca/trafficcontrol/home.htm
Most highway shoots require the use of certified
traffic control personnel. On roadways within
municipal jurisdictions, producers may have to
contract local police to provide traffic control.

Where firearms are being used, both federal and

provincial permits are required. An application for the
Federal Possession Acquisition License is available
online at www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/en/default.asp.
Information about the provincial Business Firearms
License is available at 1-800-731-4000 or access
website above.

Where firearms are visible or audible to the public,

municipalities may require that a police officer be
present. In all cases, only 1/4 loads can be used.

Safety & Health in the Arts Production

& Entertainment (SHAPE)
www.shape.bc.ca

SHAPE is the not-for-profit association dedicated to

the promotion of health and safety in the motion
picture, theatre, music and other performing arts
industries. SHAPE operates through two Standing
Committees that represent the Motion Picture and the
Performing Arts communities respectively.
Membership in these committees includes
representatives from employer and employee unions,
associations and guilds. Each committee, in turn,
nominates two members to the SHAPE Board of
Directors. SHAPE was created through the efforts of
industry representatives and the Workers
Compensation Board of British Columbia.

A safe and healthy workplace benefits both the

employer and the employee whether you are a
producer, dancer, crew member, musician, technician,
actor or director – SHAPE is here to help!

PRODUCTION GUIDE 7
 Location Preparation Check List

Initial Locations Survey Finalizing a Location

Visit the BC Film Commission website to register your
production by completing the Production Registration
Form online. Inform the BC Film Commission about
who is scouting for your production. Registration
ensures municipal governments and provincial
government agencies are aware that your production
company is doing business in BC.
During the initial scout, give the owners of the
potential location A World Of Looks info sheet to help
them understand the production process.
Pre-book locations with the local municipal film office
or relevant agency. You can find contact information
for municipal film offices in the Contacts
module of the BC Film Commission Production Guide,
or at www.bcfilmcommission.com.
Check out an overview of the FILM Director digital
library (a compilation of over 100,000 images across
the province) on the BC Film Commission website:
www.bcfilmcommission.com
1. Forward your Registration Form to all jurisdictions
in which you wish to film (ie. City of Vancouver
Film Office or City of Burnaby Film Office). Visit
their websites for Guidelines and Procedures.
Notify owners ASAP if their property is not being used
as a location. Provide them with A World Of Looks,
to encourage them to register their home with the BC
Film Commission.
Contact the successful owners with complete details
of the proposed shoot, a draft Location Agreement,
and the Motion Picture Production and My Property
info sheet.
If you have not already done so, visit the BC Film
Commission website to register the project using the
Production Registration Form. The site offers
downloadable copies of the Location Worksheet and
Street Use Request Form, both of which must be
completed for every location you plan to use in the
province. These worksheets are the first step toward
obtaining a municipal locations permit.
Initial Contact with Producer
Keep your producer informed. Give producers a copy
of BEST PRACTICES: Motion Picture Locations Code
of Conduct, and notify them of any location restric-
tions such as noise bylaws and curfews.

2. Outline any special effects or gunfire associated

with the proposed location (note: approvals for
these activities may take extra time to process).

3. Obtain a photo release from the property owner

if it isn’t in the location agreement already; this is
important for trademarks and signs.

To help get community “buy-in” visit neighbours to

explain the proposed project. Provide them with
A World Of Looks info sheet.

8

Preparing for a Shoot
1. Notify residents and businesses of the shoot and
any related disruptions in writing at least 5 days in
advance.
2. Contact those directly impacted by production
activity to address any concerns. Speak directly to
neighbours next door and across the street.
3. Provide residents and business owners with a
copy of A World Of Looks. Provide business
owners with a copy of Motion Picture Production
And My Business info sheets.
4. Ensure that all relevant permits and permissions
are in place.
5. Ensure that all parking, unit base camp, access,
staging, toilet, security, power, and garbage
removal requirements have been met.
L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E
During a Shoot
Deal directly with any location owner, neighbourhood
or municipal concerns. Document serious incidents.
Keep on top of costs and report any budget pressures.
Follow Up
Ensure that the crew has completed all equipment
removal and clean up. Thank the location owner and
neighbours in writing.
Please feel free to photocopy any of the info sheets,
letter templates, and forms from our website:
www.bcfilmcommission.com
You may also want to cut and paste the PDF versions
into your own customized documents.
PRODUCTION GUIDE 9
 Best Practices –
Motion Picture Locations Code of Conduct
General Courtesies
Producers, cast and crew will follow the provisions
of their motion picture production permit at all
times. A copy of the permit shall be on location at
all times.
Filming only takes place during the times listed on
the permit unless extensions are granted.
Pedestrians should always be treated with
courtesy and not be obstructed at any time
unless stipulated in the permit. All cables and
similar items are to be channeled neatly and safely.
Producers must notify the public in writing
whenever production activities may directly affect
or disrupt their daily lives. The notice must include
the name of the company, working title of the
project, production type (e.g. feature, MOW,
TV series) and a brief description of the activity. It
also must include a clear account of the date and
time of disruption.
All catering, construction, strike and personal trash
must be removed from the location. Locations
must be left in original condition.
Removing or cutting signs or plants from any
public or private location is not allowed.
Vehicles
Production vehicles must not arrive before the
time stipulated on the permit, should arrive one at
a time, and should turn their engines off as soon
as possible.
Cast and crew vehicles are not covered by the
location-filming permit and must use designated
parking areas only.
Production vehicles shall not block driveways or
gated access without permission.
Vehicles shall not display signs, posters or pictures
that the public may find offensive or objectionable
(i.e. material containing vulgar language or sexual
content).
10
Crew cannot move a private vehicle to
accommodate filming or parking, without
permission of the owner. If a vehicle is parked in a
restricted area, the appropriate authority will
remove it.
Cast and Crew
Cannot trespass on private property. They must
remain within the boundaries of the property that
has been permitted for filming.
Cannot drink alcohol on public property.
Must be served their meals, and eat, in the
designated areas.
Must follow smoking restrictions and always leave
cigarettes butts in the appropriate containers.
Shall keep noise as low as possible at all times and
refrain from using lewd or improper language.
Shall wear appropriate clothing – for example,
T-shirts with offensive slogans are not acceptable
– and comply with appropriate employee safety
regulations.
Will wear a production pass, as required.
Will not bring guests or pets to the location,
without advance permission.
Thank you for honouring this Code of Conduct.
Failure to comply can result in disciplinary action
by the government authority, production company,
union, guild or association.
 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

A World of Looks

Motion Picture Production in BC

Your home ought to be in pictures. Your office too. And your

backyard, neighbourhood, rec centre… just about any place
you can imagine might make a suitable location for a motion
picture shoot.

The British Columbia Film Commission, a branch of
the provincial government, works with British
Columbia’s film industry to help producers find the
right locations for their productions.
We also help ensure that both producers and
location owners are treated fairly and behave
responsibly. Why?
Because film, commercial and TV production is a
billion-dollar industry in British Columbia, providing
tremendous financial benefits to people and
communities across the province. And by helping link
producers with the perfect location, we’re helping to
sustain and develop the industry.
province. To find out how to register your home, visit
the BC Film Commission website. It’s a tough
audition, and only a small number of locations
considered are selected. But it’s worth the effort.
TV and film locations typically earn between
$750 – and $1500 per day.
To find out more information about using your home
or business in motion picture production, visit the BC
Film Commission website at:
www.bcfilmcommission.com

The more great locations we have available, and the

more satisfied owners and producers we have, the
more vibrant the film industry will be. Location
managers or scouts are hired to find potential
locations for producers.

These managers might visit a specific area looking for

suitable sites, or they might go through the British
Columbia Film Commissions’ locations library – a
listing of thousands of properties across the

PRODUCTION GUIDE 11
 Registering Your Property on FILM Director
Locations Database

The BC Film Commission keeps an extensive digital library of

potential locations across the province. It’s easy – and free –
to register your home, office or property.

The first step is to create a digital “photo file” of your
property – a virtual tour in pictures. It’s best to use a
digital camera, although you can use a standard
camera as long as you save the final pictures digitally
on a CD as a .jpg file type. If you don’t know how to
do this yourself, your local photo lab or camera shop
can do it for you.
PHOTO FILE GUIDELINES
Photograph your property using the widest shots
possible. Set your camera at medium resolution; our
target print size is 180 dpi.
Start with the outside of your house
Shoot your neighborhood street looking both
ways.
Take a wide shot of the house, driveway and yard.
Take a wide shot of the backyard and back of
house.
Save each image as a JPG, making sure you label
each location (e.g. “kitchen.jpg”, “bathroom.jpg”,
“backyard.jpg”, etc).
You must include a signed and dated copy of the
release and consent form with your CD, otherwise
we cannot use your location photos. The consent
form can be found on our website at:www.bcfilm-
commission.com
Submit your CD of photo files by mail or drop
them off at our office located at:
BC Film Commission,
201 – 865 Hornby St.,
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 2G3
Remember to save all photos as JPG, and do not
include more than one location in a file. Please
remember to provide contact information with your
photo file.

Next shoot the inside of the house a room at a

time, paying attention to any special features (bay
windows, indoor pool, stairway). Try to duplicate
the experience of someone walking through your
house.

Stand to one side of the room you are

photographing and take a picture.

Next, take a "reverse" shot by walking over to the

opposite side of the room and take a photograph
of the area you were just standing in. Show
entrances in your photos if possible.

12

Motion Picture Production and my Property
Congratulations. Your home or property has been selected as a
motion picture location. Not only are you earning a little money,
but you have a great story to tell your friends and you’re
helping support BC’s motion picture production industry.
By now a location manager should have made
contact with you. This person works for a production
company and both must be registered with the British
Columbia Film Commission. To confirm the validity of
the location manager or production company, call the
British Columbia Film Commission at (604) 660-2732.
Once your property is accepted as a location, the
location manager should provide you with a
proposed Locations Schedule, detailing dates and
times the producers plan to use your property, and a
draft Location Agreement.
The following is a check list for you to follow while in
discussion with the location manager:
Use of your personal property in filming, safe
storage of items not being used, and details for
packing and moving personal property. It’s usually
up to the producer to cover any of these costs.
Cast and crew use of washrooms, water,
electricity, laundry machines and kitchens;
smoking restrictions; trash removal; and,
protective floor coverings.
L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E
The use of special effects such as smoke, snow,
fire, gunshots, or simulated explosions.
Any areas off-limits to cast and crew.
Any alterations the production requires (painting,
construction, gardening).
Positioning and parking of heavy equipment and
vehicles.
Alternate accommodations and basic living
expenses for you and your family during the shoot.
Clean up and remediation requirements (again,
usually the responsibility of the producer).
The agreement should also hold the production
company responsible for all the activities on your
property during the shoot, and release you of liability.
The producers should also give you a copy of their
relevant insurance papers before shooting begins.
If you have any questions regarding on-location
motion picture production in your community, contact
your local film co-ordinator at your municipal hall, call
the BC Film Commission at 604 660-2732, or refer to
our website at: www.bcfilmcommission.com
PRODUCTION GUIDE 13
 Motion Picture Production and my Business
Many commercial areas in British Columbia are used in motion
picture productions. It’s good business for British Columbia,
employing thousands of British Columbians and supporting
many businesses.
While there are obvious benefits to having a
production shot in your neighbourhood, merchants are
often concerned about the effect the work might have
on their businesses.
The BC film community supports compensation for
those businesses that have been negatively impacted
during a location shoot. If you believe that a location-
shoot has cost you business and you do not have a
separate deal with the producer, you should claim a
loss with the film production company.
If there is a Business Improvement Society in your
area, arrangements could be made with the society,
and your municipality to act as broker to ensure that
your business is fairly compensated.
A claim should include proof of loss of net profits in
comparison with past days of equal activity over the
previous year. Other factors, such as weather and
time of year, may have resulted in your losses as well,
and should be taken into account when assessing the
production company’s impact.
Production companies often buy your products or
services for the value of the claimed gross losses to
compensate for business loss.
14
Each production is different and the impact varies a
great deal. Don’t expect that all productions working in
your area will compensate at the same rate.
Meanwhile, some businesses, particularly those that
take appointments like hair salons and dentists’
offices, should not shut down when there is a location
shoot nearby. If they are worried that their customers
won’t have access to their shop, a more effective
strategy is to contact the location manager.
Tell them your unique needs and work with them to
find a mutually beneficial solution. Alternative parking
arrangements or valet service for customers may be
options. You can find the name of the location
manager on the Notification Letter, or by contacting
your municipal office or the BC Film Commission at
(604) 660-2732 or email to:
community@bcfilmcommission.com
The best strategy for dealing with a location shoot in
your neighbourhood is to consider it an opportunity.
Production cast and crews are generally a captive
audience, and require the same sorts of services and
products that any visiting business people or residents
might need.
Lots of local businesses have done well by establish-
ing relationships with location managers and produc-
tion companies who come back and use those ser-
vices again and again. For more information on BC’s
Motion Picture Industry, please go to:
www.bcfilmcommission.com
 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Notification Letter-
Sample

[production company letterhead]

[date]

Dear_______:

On behalf of [production company], we are providing advance notice that a [commercial, tv special/series,
movie-of-the-week, feature film] called [title] will be shooting in this neighbourhood from [dates]. We will be
working at [address]. The shoot will begin at [time] and end at [time] each day.

During production times, you can expect:

[list in point form details of any potential disruptions or other relevant activity, including whether scenes
are indoors or outdoors, lighting, traffic control, noise, stunts, special effects and parking]

The production company has all the necessary permits for this film shoot. Please note that the public [is, is not]
permitted to visit the location during filming.

The producers and municipal government recognize that there are sometimes inconveniences associated with a
location shoot, but we are working hard to ensure that your day-to-day schedule is not disrupted.

Thank you. Your cooperation will help make this location shoot a success, and help to encourage more producers
to visit [community name] in support of British Columbia’s billion-dollar production industry.

If you have any questions or concerns about this location shoot, please contact me at [phone number].
During the shoot, you can also talk to [on-site contact’s name] who will be on the set. If you have further
questions about filming in [name community] or specific concerns about this location shoot, you can contact
the municipal film office at [phone number].

For general information about filming in British Columbia, or to comment on ongoing production in British
Columbia contact the British Columbia Film Commission at 604-660-2732, or visit their website at
www.bcfilmcommmission.com.

Yours truly,

[your name] [production company] [your contact information]

PRODUCTION GUIDE 15
 Production Registration
Production Title: Production Company:

Local Address:

Phone: Fax:

E-mail Address:

Do you want your address included on the weekly BC Film Commission Film List? YES NO

Type
TV Series Animation Video Feature

TV Pilot Mini Series Short MOW

Documentary Photoshoot (Stills) Commercial

Other:

For TV Projects please provide:

No. of Episodes: Hours of Television: Original Airing Network:

Content

CDN USA (please check one)

Co-Production (please specify):

Other (please specify):

Union
Non Union Union (please check one)

Union Signatory (please specify):

Schedule
PREP From: To: Total of Days:

SHOOT From: To: Total of Days:

WRAP From: To: Total of Days:

Details
Executive Producer(s):

Producer(s): Cell:

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 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Production Registration Cont.

Production Manager: Cell:

1st AD: Production Coordinator:

Location Manager: Cell:

Assistant Location Manager: Cell:

Production Designer: Publicist:

Special Effects Coordinator: Cell:

Casting: Extras:

Cast:

Workers Compensation Board Number: Incorporation/Registry No.:

Proposed Activities:

Explosion Drive up/away Stunts

Rain or Snow Fire Car Stunt Drive by

Animals Gun Fire Helicopter

Tow Shots Wet downs Exterior Set Constr.

No. of Crew on Locations: Length of Work Trucks:

Parent Company (or Agency or Studio):

Address:

Phone: Fax:

E-mail Address:

AS WE ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH YOUR PROJECT, PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH A SYNOPSIS

OF THE SCRIPT – THANK YOU

PRODUCTION GUIDE 17
 Location Worksheet
TO BE SUBMITTED WITH A STREET USE REQUEST FORM AND A MAP

Production Company: Office Phone:

Production Title: Episode No.:

Location Manager: Cell:

Location: Date(s):

Move in Time: Start Time: End Time:

Move out Time:

Curfew extension required YES NO

Scenes to be filmed Please include detailed description and requirements of scenes (a seperate page may be used)

Spfx & Misc

Guns/Gunfire Stunts Rain/Snow

Animals Fire and/or Explosion

Other: No. of Picture Vehicles:

Extras:

Traffic Control
Street/Lane (east/west, name): ITC Closure applicable

Sidewalk (side): ITC Closure applicable

Lighting Please specify (a seperate page may be used) and attach a map of positioning

Cameras Please specify (a seperate page may be used) and attach a map of positioning

Film Office Coordinator to confirm with Location Manager

P R E - B O O K – OT H E R P R OX I M A L & E I C P R E V I O U S C O M P L A I N T I N F O & B I A C O N TA C T S NEIGHBOURHOOD

18
 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Street Use Request

To Be Submitted with A Location Worksheet and a Map

Production Company: Office Phone:

Production Title: Episode No.:

Location Manager: Cell:

Location: Date(s):
Street
Block Number(s): Side:
From: To:
PLEASE USE SPECIFIC LANDMARKS, SUCH AS INTERSECTING STREETS, METER NUMBERS OR OTHER IDENTIFIABLE MARKERS

Date required by:

day month year time

Date required to:

day month year time

work trucks picture circus generator lightning

Street

Block Number(s): Side:

From: To:
PLEASE USE SPECIFIC LANDMARKS, SUCH AS INTERSECTING STREETS, METER NUMBERS OR OTHER IDENTIFIABLE MARKERS

Date required by:

day month year time

Date required to:

day month year time

work trucks picture circus generator lightning

Street

Block Number(s): Side:

From: To:
PLEASE USE SPECIFIC LANDMARKS, SUCH AS INTERSECTING STREETS, METER NUMBERS OR OTHER IDENTIFIABLE MARKERS

Date required by:

day month year time

Date required to:

day month year time

work trucks picture circus generator lightning

Film Office Coordinator to confirm

P L A C E M E N T O F G E N E R AT O R ( S ) C AT E R I N G C I R C U S & C R E W PA R K

PRODUCTION GUIDE 19
 Loss of Business Claim – Due to Film Event
Film Production Company: Production Title:

Phone: Fax:

Location of Film Event:

Business Name:

Fax: E-mail:

Business Address: GST Number:

Claim
1. actual revenue for the day of filming $ (a)

2. revenue from the same day one week prior to filming $

3. revenue from the same day two weeks prior to filming $

4. revenue from the same day three weeks prior to filming $

5. revenue from the same day four weeks prior to filming $

6. add line 2 to 5 $ ÷4= (b)

estimated loss of revenue: subtract line (a) from line (b) $ (c)

Multiply line (c) by gross profit margin % $ (d)

total claim for lost revenue – from line (d) $

I verify that all information contained in this claim for lost revenue is accurate, based on the accounting records
kept for my business. I understand that this is only a claim, and does not guarantee payment. However, if this
claim is found to be true and accurate, I may receive payment up to the Total Claim Amount.

X
SIGNATURE

This document must be stamped and signed by a certified Accountant. If you do not have an accountant, re-
ceipts must be provided to verify claimed amount.

Accountant Name:

Address: Phone:

X
ACCOUNTANT SIGNATURE ACCOUNTANT STAMP

THIS FORM MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CANADA CUSTOMS AND REVENUE AGENCY

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 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Incident Report
Date: Location:

Approximate time of incident:

Production Title: Production Company:

Location Manager: Phone:

Brief Description of Incident

Action Taken

Follow Up

Witnesses / Police
1. Name: 4. Name:

Phone: Phone:

2. Name: 5. Name:

Phone: Phone:

3. Name: 6. Name:

Phone: Phone:

PRODUCTION GUIDE 21
 Wrap Form
Data collected will help in a region-wide community awareness project. Individual budget figures are kept in the
strictest confidence. Please help keep BC Film Friendly

1. Contact information (Production Office)

Production Company:

Production Manager:

Production Title: Type of Project:

Address:

City: Postal Code: Office Phone:

Fax: Cell: E-mail :

2. Forwarding contact information (parent company or post production offices)

Parent Company:

Production Executive:

Address:

City: Postal Code: Office Phone:

Fax: Cell: E-mail :

3. Your experience overall (Positive Stories, Comments, Concerns)

4. Community Expenditures
Please Indicate Currency USA CANADIAN

Total Budget (overall) $ Grand Total (spent in BC): $

Budget figures are crucial to secure financial support for the promotion of our industry, as well as funding the
maintenance and improvement of our community relations. Individual budget information from each specific
production is kept in the strictest confidence.

5. Production Days
From Date: To Date:

Total Prep Days: Total Shoot Days: Total Wrap Days:

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 L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I D E

Notice to User

The information provided or referred to in this
Production Guide is provided to assist the needs of
the film community and give general information
about filming in British Columbia. The information
herein does not constitute expert advice.
The Production Guide and the Digital Photo Library
are the sole property of the Government of British
Columbia and are made available to the domestic and
international film production industry as a resource
only and without the transfer of any copyright or other
intellectual property right to the user.
The Government of British Columbia does not
authorize the reproduction or distribution of either the
Production Guide or the Digital Photo Library for any
commercial purpose other than as research materials.
All of the locations in the BCFC web photo packages
are intended as a visual representation for marketing
BC as a film destination. The Government of British
Columbia makes no representations or warranties
concerning the availability of these locations.
The Copyright Policy can be found on the website:
Copyright Policy - www.gov.bc.ca
and the Privacy Statement can be found on the
website:
Privacy Statement - www.gov.bc.ca
are incorporated as part of this Notice.
Limitation of Liabilities
Under no circumstances will the Government of
British Columbia be liable to any person or business
entity for any direct, indirect, special, incidental,
consequential, or other damages based on any use of
this Production Guide, including, without
limitation, any lost profits, business interruption,
or loss of programs or information, even if the
Government of British Columbia has been specifically
advised of the possibility of such damages.

This Production Guide and all of the information it

contains are provided “as is” without warranty of any
kind, whether express or implied. All implied
warranties, including, without limitation, implied
warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, and non-infringement, are hereby expressly
disclaimed.

PRODUCTION GUIDE 23
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