September 10, 2018 – Vancouver, B.C. / Toronto, O.N. – Film London and the Vancouver Film Commission will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to recognise and enhance the creative and business links between the two cities.
Both cities are successful global production centres for film and TV, hosting some of the world’s biggest features and franchises. Both regions also boast excellent VFX and post-production infrastructure, with many market-leading companies having a significant presence in both cities.
The agreement will be signed tomorrow (Tuesday, September 11) at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and recognises the status of the film, TV, games and digital media sectors as significant economic drivers for both cities, and will see the two screen industries agencies work collaboratively to maintain, build and grow opportunities for the benefit of both regions.
The MOU will see the two agencies work together to scope out business collaborations and opportunities for cross-promoting companies and their IP at key international events and markets, as well as supporting companies that have an operational presence in both cities. The two bodies will also pool knowledge and expertise on key issues such as gender equality and environmental sustainability.
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “While we can’t deny the sense of friendly competition we have with our friends in Vancouver, our two cities also have a long and storied history of collaboration. The global nature of our industry means major productions often work across different territories, and we believe that by adopting a spirit of intelligent competition we can work collaboratively to ensure companies with a presence in both cities can benefit from our combined years of experience, know-how and market knowledge.”
David Shepheard, Director, Vancouver Film Commission, said: “This agreement leverages the strong business relationship between Canada and the UK – especially the frequent interplay between London’s and Vancouver’s creative industries. With so many connection points already in place, we look forward to working with our counterparts in London to explore and tackle the challenges common to two of the world’s top global production hubs while collaborating on ways to leverage and develop future opportunities.”
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For further press information about Film London, please contact:
Alex Deller
T: +44 020 7613 7682
M: +44 07787 254 250
E: alex.deller@filmlondon.org.uk
For further press information about the Vancouver Film Commission, please contact:
Ingrid Valou, Communications Specialist
E: ivalou@vancouvereconomic.com
About Film London
Film London is the capital’s screen industries agency. We connect ideas, talent and finance to develop a pioneering creative culture in the city that delivers success in film, television, animation, games and beyond. We work to sustain, promote and develop London as a global content production hub, support the development of the city’s new and emerging filmmaking talent and invest in a diverse and rich film culture. Funded by the Mayor of London and the National Lottery through the BFI, we also receive support from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Film London’s activities include:
- Maintaining, strengthening and promoting London’s position as world-class city to attract investment through film, TV, animation and games
- Investing in local talent through a range of specialised production and training schemes
- Boosting employment and competitiveness in the capital’s screen industries by delivering internationally facing business development events
- Maximising access to the capital’s film culture by helping audiences discover film in all its diversity
- Promoting London through screen tourism
Film London also manages the British Film Commission (www.britishfilmcommission.org.uk) through a public/private partnership which is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the BFI, and the Department for International Trade.
www.filmlondon.org.uk
@Film_London
About the Vancouver Film Commission
The Vancouver Film Commission provides tailored services for investment intelligence and business development in Vancouver’s film & TV production industry. This includes partnering with stakeholders to support and address their associated concerns, including liaising with industry associations, government agencies at the provincial and federal level, and industry executives from around the world; delivering proactive investment attraction initiatives; marketing and promotion of Vancouver and supporting local talent and businesses.
Founded in 2016, the Vancouver Film Commission is an operational department of the Vancouver Economic Commission, and the first provider of dedicated film commission services for the Vancouver region.
www.filminvancouver.com
@FilminVancouver
About the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC)
The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) is the economic development agency for the city’s businesses, investors and citizens. It works to strengthen Vancouver’s economic future by supporting local companies, attracting foreign investment and promoting international trade in the world’s fastest-growing, low-carbon economy. VEC works collaboratively to position Vancouver as a global destination for innovative, creative, diverse and sustainable development.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Vancouver Economic Commission respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the unceded ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations.
www.vancouvereconomic.com
@VanEconomic
