RDNO Approves Film Commission Funding

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Ron Manz February 23, 2017 10:04 am
The Regional District of North Okanagan is once again supporting the Okanagan Film Commission. The Board approved providing $33-thousand dollars to film and movie production in the North Okanagan, though the Commission was seeking $35-thousand. Chair Bob Fleming says Enderby is providing $11-hundred on it’s own and the five electoral areas have also stepped up. “The five electoral areas have decided to contribute $2,000 which then brings that up to $35,000. The electoral areas are also looking at either becoming part of that service or more likely providing their own grant service to that function.” Fleming says more TV and film productions are finding their way to our area. “Some of that is clearly going on in our area so I think the Directors felt it was time to step in. We’ve had individual contributions in the past from electoral areas from discretionary funds, but this might formalize it a bit more.” Fleming says the value of helping to support the industry is becoming very obvious. “Anybody who has looked around, there’s been a couple that have been shot locally. Silver Star had the Kia ad shot there and you can see Silver Star in it so there’s clearly been a lot of activity around here and I think people realize the benefit of that.” Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong contributed a combined $33-thousand last year as well. It’s not certain yet if Lumby or Spallumcheen will contribute this year.
---------
Don Quixote Note:
2016 Film Commission Requisition: Function 400 (Land & Improvements.)
Vernon       $25,438   75.3%
Coldstream $ 6,210    18.4%
Armstrong  $ 2,148      6.3%

Total $ $33,796  ($796 or 2.5% overhead charge)

Rural communities appear ready to fund the film industry.

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star North Okanagan posted Feb 15, 2017 at 5:00 AM
The Regional District of North Okanagan’s five electoral areas are considering possible support for the Okanagan Film Commission.“There is some interest,” said Herman Halvorson, Electoral Area Advisory Committee chairperson.Currently, the only electoral area that provides funding to the film commission is Cherryville. Halvorson says there’s a good chance that his area, rural Enderby, will back the commission. “They do good work in our area and it creates a lot of employment,” he said. Cherryville’s contribution was $100. “It’s the thought that counts,” said director Hank Cameron. “It’s an exciting industry and there are opportunities for movies in Cherryville.” The OFC is asking the Regional District of North Okanagan to increase its 2017 grant from $29,000 to $35,000. Currently, the only participants in the service are Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong. Most of the electoral areas are interested in providing direct grants and not joining a formal funding service, but that could change in the future, says Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. “It’s good for the community,” he said of the industry. The other two electoral areas are BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star. Enderby is not part of the RDNO service but it does contribute to the film commission on its own. Spallumcheen and Lumbydo not contribute.
=========
http://www.rdno.ca/docs/Financial_Plan_2016_Presentation_March_2.pdf (p.37)

And, action!

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jun 29, 2016 / 4:15 pm

A TV-movie production company has found a studio in Vernon and will be shooting a project in the building starting in mid-July. “This is a huge deal for us,” said Jon Summerland, Okanagan Film Commissioner. The prairie-based movie company will be using the former Far West Industries building, 1701 Kosmina Rd. as a studio, according to Summerland. However, the film commissioner was cagey about the name of the company and its plans for the huge building which sits upon a four-acre lot, explaining the firm didn't want a lot of publicity at this time. “It's being used as a studio, but it requires a lot of work,” Summerland said. “There are bulkheads and holes that have to be filled but they are going to shoot around the bulkheads. It's going to be great.”

Film agency seeks support

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 22, 2016 at 1:00 AM
An economic driver will likely continue to be fuelled by taxpayers. The Okanagan Film Commission asked the Regional District of North Okanagan Wednesday for a grant to cover operations in 2016. “The economic impact they bring is incredible,” said director Akbal Mund. The participating jurisdictions in the RDNO function are Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong and they provided $33,000 in 2015 and the same amount is budgeted this year. “I would like to see more communities involved because everyone benefits from the film industry,” said Mund. “The money is spent locally. People need to convince their councils that this is important.” Independently, Enderby gave $900 to the commission last year and funds are set aside again in 2016. The OFC has a $199,000 budget, with funds also coming from the two other regional districts in the Okanagan and the provincial government. The return investment is about $15 million, including from animation studios, feature films, TV shows and commercials. Besides drawing productions here, the OFC is also focused on growing the industry. As part of that, it`s hosting a fundamentals weekend for those who work behind the scenes. “We need crew. This will help build our crew base and get people excited about the industry,” Jon Summerland, film commissioner, told the regional district board.
------
See Also Last years post: http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2015/03/film-commission-gets-funding-boost.html  & http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2015/03/editorial-lumbys-movie-stance-surprising.html

Who Pays into Film Commission Function  at RDNO: http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2015/07/2015-rdno-tax-requisition.html   
Vernon         $25,536
Armstrong   $  2,143
Coldstream  $  6,102
Total             $33,781  

http://www.rdno.ca/docs/150311_Financial_Plan_Presentation.pdf

Film Commission Gets Funding Boost

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 05 March 2015 16:32
The Okanagan Film Commission will be getting a bit of a raise from the regional district. "The board decided they would increase their funding to 33-thousand dollars for 2015. They had asked for $35,000," says Regional District of North Okanagan board chair Rick Fairbairn.  Fairbairn says RDNO's support is up from the $24,000 provided last year, but the board is looking for more participation from other members. At this point, just Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong contribute, even though Enderby and Lumby have seen the most film activity recently. Enderby is considering opting in with an $1,100 share, but Lumby director Kevin Acton says it's too late for it's $830 portion as their budget is already set. The commission brought in 20 films in 2014 with an economic spin-off of 17.5 million dollars while working from a 180 thousand dollar budget. One of them was 'Go With Me' starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and Ray Liotta which filmed in Enderby, Lumby, Armstrong and Vernon.

Film Commission Request for additional $10,000 Funding - RDNO

Enderby looks at film funding
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
No dollar figures are attached but Enderby will be doing its part for the film industry.As part of 2015 budget discussions, the city is considering providing financial support to the Okanagan Film Commission.“We will partake somehow,” said Mayor Greg McCune. Funding would not occur through the Regional District of North Okanagan’s film function. “We will look at our rate and submit directly to the commission,” said McCune. The city has previously not funded the OFC because it was felt that it didn’t impact the community, but that perspective has changed in the last couple of years because films like Tomorrowland and Go With Me have been shot in Enderby. “We’ve been a huge beneficiary of that,” said McCune. Enderby’s contribution to OFC could be $3,000 to $4,000. The Okanagan Film Commission is currently seeking increased support from all partners. It received $24,000 from RDNO (Coldstream, Veron and Armstrong) last year and it’s seeking $35,000 for 2015. The total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan Valley in 2014 was $17.5 million, while the film commission’s budget was $180,000. Enderby is just beginning its 2015 budget process and each council member presented a priority list Monday to be considered. “We know what we want to do but the question is, at what level can we do anything?” said McCune.
-----------------
Movie function raises village concerns
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Lumby officials insist they aren’t opposed to assisting the Okanagan Film Commission, but it will be on their terms. There is no funding in the village’s 2015 budget for the OFC even though the community has been the site of some movie productions. Mayor Kevin Acton says his council will consider any requests from the commission. “They need to bring us their financials so we can look at them,” he said. However, Acton admits there is a concern about the OFC’s activities when it comes to showing location scouts and producers around the region. “We’re accountable to our taxpayers. We aren’t going to pay for someone to wine and dine people,” he said. “We’re not in the business of buying business.” Currently, the only local communities funding the OFC are Armstrong, Coldstream and Vernon through a Regional District of North Okanagan function. The OFC received $24,000 from RDNO last year and it’s seeking $35,000 for 2015. “It costs money to bring people in to scout the area,” said Jon Summerland, film commissioner, in a recent presentation to RDNO. “I have to wine and dine these people. I high-roll them and spend the money, but it’s working.” The total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan in 2014 was $17.5 million, while the film commission’s budget is $180,000. Lumby council adopted its 2015 budget Monday, including a one per cent tax increase, which translates into an additional $8 for the average home. “Village staff did an excellent job of keeping expenses in check and still providing services,” said Acton.
-------------------
EDITORIAL: Lumby's movie stance surprising
by Editorial - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Lumby officials aren’t budging from their long-standing policy of not pumping even a nickel into the Okanagan Film Commission. The village’s 2015 budget was adopted Monday without any funds being directed towards the OFC, partly because no one from the agency appeared before them. “They need to bring us their financials so we can look at them,” said Mayor Kevin Acton. Fair enough, but Acton knows that the OFC reports annually to the Regional District of North Okanagan. Lumby is not part of RDNO’s grant function but Acton, as board vice-chairperson, is there to hear the entire discussion and he could provide the details to his council or ask the OFC personally to appear before his council. Council is also well aware of the fact that movies have been filmed in the community, so the connection between grants and economic development benefits should be blatantly obvious. Acton’s biggest concern appears to come from the OFC lobbying producers and location scouts when they are deciding if the region meets their needs. “We’re accountable to our taxpayers. We aren’t going to pay for someone to wine and dine people,” said Acton. “We’re not in the business of buying business.” But the reality is there is extreme competition among B.C. and North American communities to host film crews so enticing them here with nice hotels and meals is part of the game. And the investment pays off because the total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan in 2014 was $17.5 million. Some of that got dropped in Lumby area businesses. At a time when Lumby is scrambling for job creation opportunities, it’s firm stance against the Okanagan Film Commission is surprising.
--------
Don Quixote Note:
From a posting back in 2009.
Through the North Okanagan Regional District, the film commission received $24,000 this year.Of that, $19,689 came from Vernon, $5,032 from Coldstream, $1,603 from Armstrong and $664 from Lumby.

In 2010 the $25,000 was split the same 4 ways with Lumby's share at $595. This was when Lumby exited the Film Commission service, the Symphony Grant and the St. John's Ambulance functions.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Lights, camera, free ride

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 25, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Filmmakers are beating a path to Enderby and Lumby. In the last couple of years, the North Okanagan’s star has sparkled as more and more movie productions make their way here. And much of the focus has been on the small communities surrounding Vernon. It first started off with George Clooney and Tomorrowland in Enderby and Grindrod in 2014 and the activity was bumped up a couple of notches when Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta and Julia Stiles brought Go With Me to Enderby, Lumby and Vernon in 2014. Now, Numb is currently shooting largely in the Lumby/Cherryville area. However, these productions didn’t just get here by fluke. It’s taken a lot of hard work on the part of Jon Summerland, with the Okanagan Film Commission, who is constantly reading scripts to see if the region has what’s needed for the shoot. If it does, he ramps up lobbying of location managers and producers. “It costs money to bring people in to scout the area. I have to wine and dine these people,” he said. And if the production decides to come to the North Okanagan, the work doesn’t stop. Summerland ensures they remain happy while here, in the hopes that they will come back with another film. And the payback can be lucrative. For Go With Me, the economic impact in the region was $5.7 million, and that’s not including all of the selfies residents got with Hopkins which bolstered Enderby’s social media profile. Movie productions are increasingly hiring Okanagan residents to fill key crew positions and they live in places like Enderby because of the small town lifestyle and the work is coming to them. With their fairly decent salaries, they pay property taxes, purchase vehicles, go on holidays, shop and support local charities. “We definitely saw the effect,” said Enderby Mayor Greg McCune when asked about the benefits from Go With Me. However, the $24,000 grant the Okanagan Film Commission received from the Regional District of North Okanagan in 2014 only came from Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong. That means not one nickel originated from the movie hot spots of Enderby, Lumby, Cherryville and rural Enderby, or even Spallumcheen and the other three electoral areas. Essentially, those communities have been getting a free ride on the backs of Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong taxpayers, as well as other valley communities to the south. “Over time, we didn’t see any effects from it (commission) but it’s difficult not to support it now,” said McCune when questioned about Enderby’s lack of financial participation. “We’ll definitely have a look at it. We have to pay our share.” But while attitudes are evolving in Enderby, they aren’t budging much in Lumby. “If they (film commission) come to our council, we will definitely discuss it,” said Kevin Acton, the village’s mayor. For a mayor and council that proclaims strong interest in economic development, waiting for someone to come cap-in-hand isn’t very proactive. Lumby officials were quick to have their photo taken with Hopkins when he was in town, but they allow other communities to financially bank roll the process that brought him here. There’s something wrong with that picture. To keep up with the increased demand from location scouts and production companies, the Okanagan Film Commission wants its RDNO contribution to climb from $24,000 to $35,000 this year. Given the star-studded success of the last few years, the request is reasonable and provides a good return on tax dollars. But if the pot of cash is to grow, all communities must participate on a fair and equitable basis.
-------
Past Postings of Interest: Through the North Okanagan Regional District, the film commission received $24,000 this year.Of that, $19,689 came from Vernon, $5,032 from Coldstream, $1,603 from Armstrong and $664 from Lumby. http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2009/08/vernon-remains-within-film-commission.html

http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2010/10/village-set-to-leave-functions.html

Film commission seeks cash

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 20, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The North Okanagan’s starring role in films could dim without an infusion of cash. That was the warning sent to the Regional District of North Okanagan board by Jon Summerland, with the Okanagan Film Commission, Wednesday. “We can’t go on with the budget we have,” he said. “To carry on and sell (the region), I need a little more money.” The OFC received $24,000 from RDNO last year and it’s seeking $35,000 for 2015. Summerland says his resources as a one-man office are stretched and scouting locations is becoming more demanding and expensive. “It costs money to bring people in to scout the area. I have to wine and dine these people,” he said, adding that one of the selling points for the North Okanagan is high-end resorts for cast and crew. “I high-roll them and spend the money, but it’s working.” In 2014, 20 TV and movie productions took place in the entire Okanagan, including A Mother’s Day Off in Vernon and Go With Me featuring Anthony Hopkins in Enderby, Vernon and Lumby. The total economic impact from the 20 productions was $17.5 million, while the film commission’s budget is $180,000. It’s anticipated a number of other films could visit the region in 2015, including the North Okanagan. Among them is Enderby Entertainment, which is responsible for Go With Me. “It will be star-studded as well,” said Summerland, adding that the Okanagan is gaining a reputation as being film-friendly. “In the last three days, I have had three scripts come across my desk.” Besides production companies spending money at local hotels, restaurants and with suppliers, they hire local crew and there is a long-term impact. “You’ve had George Clooney (Tomorrowland) and Anthony Hopkins here and you can sell that,” said Summerland of tourists visiting film locations. Summerland also envisions Tomorrowland leading to a new attraction at Disneyland. “There could possibly be jetpack rides in Tomorrowland (theme area) with a backdrop that looks like the Enderby Cliffs.” RDNO will consider the funding request as part of its 2015 budget process. “This is a fantastic return on investment,” said director Brian Quiring. “They have shown how to add economic development with little funding.” Currently, the only RDNO communities funding the Okanagan Film Commission are Armstrong, Coldstream and Vernon. Along with RDNO, the Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts are also being asked for increased funding.

Vernon & Lumby Host Movie Shoot

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 18 February 2015 15:45
The North Okanagan is serving as the backdrop for a movie being filmed in the area. 'Numb' is described as a feature thriller which started shooting on Monday in Lumby and Vernon and will continue for 18 days. The Canadian production stars Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Gallactica, Law & Order UK), Marie Avgeropolous (Tracers, The 100), Aleks Paunovic (iZombie, This Means War), and Stefanie von Pfetten (Cracked). Jason Goode is the first time director. "When a couple in financial distress discover a map that promises to lead to stolen gold they must partner with a pair of mysterious hitchhikers to enter the remote winter wilderness and recover the coins," says Okanagan Film Commissioner Jon Summerland about the plot. It comes on the heels of 'Go With Me', a movie starring Anthony Hopkins which filmed in the area in November and December. "We are very pleased to have the second film of the year being shot in the second month of the year," says Summerland. "This is setting up 2015 to be significant in terms of productions filming in the Okanagan, and is very good for the businesses that filming supports in the region."
---------
Don Quixote Note:
At yesterdays RDNO meeting the Film Commission made a presentation and a request that the RDNO Fil Board Requisition be increased to $35,000. (from $24,766) http://www.rdno.ca/docs/Financial_Plan_2014_Budget_Draft_1.pdf (p.39)

The members who contribute to this grant (Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong and  ??) will make a decision on whether to increase Grant by the $10,000+ at the next RDNO meeting.

Lumby withdrew from this service in May 2011.

Okanagan Film Commission makes case for increased funds

By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Published: November 27, 2012 2:00 PM

It’s the kind of spending that makes some taxpayers cringe, but Jon Summerland does bring a solid economic argument to his defence. The head of the Okanagan Film Commission appeared last week at a Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen budget workshop in Penticton, where he asked directors to up their yearly contribution by $6,000 to $30,000, money he said will be multiplied many times over by film productions that he’ll attract to the area. (more)
---------- 
In RDNO Film Commission requisition was $24,766 in 2012.  Vernon's share was $18,905.

RDNO functions in which Vernon Participates.

City Removes Film-TV Option

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISFM  Friday, 15 June 2012 01:30
  Vernon council is making a longer term commitment to the Okanagan Film Commission. The Kelowna-based agency attracts TV and movie productions to the valley, but until now, Vernon council had kept its option open to withdraw from funding the regional function each year. Councillor Juliette Cunningham led a motion to remove that, saying the uncertainty each year didn't sit well with their RDNO partners. She says, "It creates that sense at the regional district that, if they're going to do that, then I'm going to put my notice (to withdraw from a function) on this, and it just creates a lot of upheaval." Councillor Bob Spiers voted against the motion, noting without the option, it's a 16-month process if the city ever did want to pull-out of the function.
----------
Vernon's share of Cost of Support in Table below.(see Vernon Share 2012)
RDNO functions in which Vernon Participates.

Movie Cancelled - Production goes South of the Border

Kate Bouey 11/29/2010 105.7 SUNFM

---

Bad news for the film business in the North Okanagan. A US company has pulled out of shooting a movie near Enderby. Okanagan Film Commissioner Jon Summerland says it had to do with an actors' union demand for Canadian content. ``It's an obstacle we could not overcome,'' Summerland tells SUN FM.  ``It's very sad and unfortunate.'' ``We worked really hard and everybody was sold. They were coming to shoot here.'' Summerland says the plan broke down on Remembrance Day and could not be rectified on the holiday. The three weeks of filming are now to be shot in Oregon. Enderby Chamber of Commerce boss Tate Bengston is disappointed, saying  it would have been a big boost to the local economy.  And Summerland says an ad campaign for Lipitor, that was expected to be shot at Silver Star, has been moved to Whistler. An estimated 300-thousand dollars would  have been spent in the community, according to Summerland.

----------

Vernon remains within film commission

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 01, 2009 12:00 PM

The City of Vernon will continue to play a lead role in the Okanagan’s film industry.Council has decided not to withdraw from the North Okanagan Regional District function that funds the Okanagan Film Commission.

“It’s been relatively effective. The payment has worked fairly well,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.The previous council voted Sept. 24, 2007 to withdraw from the film commission function Dec. 31, 2009.However, Mayor Wayne Lippert says that move was purely procedural and is one of the few ways to trigger a review of the service if the city has any concerns. “Traditionally we give notice of withdrawal so we can keep that option open,” he said.One possibility would have been for the city to back out of the NORD function and directly provide a financial grant to the film commisison on its own.But Nicol thought that move may send a poor message to the other film commission participants — Lumby, Armstrong and Coldstream.“We need to keep some partnerships alive,” he said.

Through the North Okanagan Regional District, the film commission received $24,000 this year.Of that, $19,689 came from Vernon, $5,032 from Coldstream, $1,603 from Armstrong and $664 from Lumby. Keeping with past practices, council decided Monday to issue a withdrawal notice for the film commission for Dec. 31, 2010.

City In & Out Of Film Funding

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 29 July 2009 10:19 107.5 KISSFM

The city of Vernon is keeping its options open when it comes to funding the Okanagan Film Commission.Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city has withdrawn its notice to pull out of the NORD function the end of this year, but issued notice to withdraw at the end of 2010.The mayor tels KISS FM, "The motion is doing two things. It's giving notice to the film commission that the city of Vernon does support them. I think in all fairness it's trying to make sure the funding is there at least from the city of Vernon's side of things. Lippert says the motion also recognizes NORD has had issues with some of its functions. He notes NORD has 69 functions when many other regional districts only have ten. The mayor says the city provided $20,000 of the $35,000 NORD granted the film commission last year. The commission works to attract film and TV productions to the valley.

Summerland to host feature film shoot

Published: April 13, 2009 12:00 PM Penticton Western News:

A Summerland heritage site will be featured in the upcoming film Gunless, which is being shot in the South Okanagan in the coming month. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway has been selected as one of the filming locations for the upcoming movie shoot, confirmed Jon Summerland of the Okanagan Film Commission. Summerland took Brightlight Pictures and Rhombus Media production team members to sites on the railway in early April as producers were in need of a historic rail bed for filming. "We toured some of the rail line on food and then took them out in our steam locomotive 3716 to several of the sites that weren't as easily accessible," explained KVSR general manager Ron Restrick."We look forward to having the film crew here for about three days — sometime in June and we extend our thanks to the Okanagan Film Commission for bringing them to the KVSR so they could see what we have to offer.Paul Gross, known for his roles in Passchendaele and Due South, will head to the Osoyoos in early May to begin production on Gunless, a western-themed comedy.

Gunless will be made on a modest $10 million budget, with help from Canada's Telefilm. It will be released in spring 2010.Gross may also be remembered from his directorial debut, the 2002 flick Men With Brooms — a comedic take on the sport of curling that broke Canadian box office records.