Camosun College in early stages of talks to build a film studio, sound stage and educational facilities
Camosun College is exploring the feasibility of building a film studio, sound stage and educational facilities for students on the Interurban campus.
Sherri Bell, President of Camosun College, says talks with the industry will focus on complementing existing programs, and adding those that support B.C.'s film industry.
Bell emphasizes the project is still very much in the early days, and requires provincial government approvals.
According to a Creative BC Impact Report, this province is seen as one of the best places to make motion pictures in North America, and is a global competitor in visual effects and animation.
The industry has an annual economic impact of about $3.4 billion and employs just under 61-thousand people. It's expected the motion picture industry will have close to 13,000 job openings over the next decade in B.C.
The college will work with a range of partners, including the college community and the District of Saanich.
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes says though talks are in the early stages, the potential to grow a wide diversity of good, local jobs in areas such as the trades, arts, culture, digital, and office services, is exciting.