
Sector Overview
With such a concentration of talent in the region, these firms have anchored many other complementary firms with diverse expertise in gaming and animation, motion picture and video production, and research and development. The region is also benefiting from two significant collaborative initiatives that are driving the sector:
- The Digital Technology Supercluster part of the Government of Canada’s Innovation Supercluster Initiative investing up to $950 million to support business-led innovation superclusters with the greatest potential to energize the economy.
- Cascadia Innovation Corridor the provincial partnership with the State of Washington to grow cross-border innovation in the technology sector.

Industry Highlights
- The film industry had a direct economic impact of $30 million in 2017
- Local soundstage and production facilities
- British Columbia’s Out Of Zone Regional + Distance tax credits - combined the tax credits available for shooting in the Central Okanagan rank among the highest in North America
- Local qualified crews and support staff
- The Okanagan Film Commission is a full-service commission offering location scouting, tech surveys and liason and facilitating services
- The region benefits from funding and collaborative partnerships through initiatives like The Digital Technology Supercluster and the Cascadia Innovation Corridor
Employment Information
The Animation/Film/Digital Media sector employs 2,450 people in the Central Okanagan.
Okanagan College offers an Animation Diploma hosted in the Okanagan Centre for Innovation. Students learn the latest technology in the field of digital animation developing artistic skills, technical dexterity in 2D and 3D animation an creative thinking.
The Centre for Arts and Technology is one of Canada's leading colleges in digital arts and technical training.
Okanagan College offers an Animation Diploma hosted in the Okanagan Centre for Innovation. Students learn the latest technology in the field of digital animation developing artistic skills, technical dexterity in 2D and 3D animation an creative thinking.
The Centre for Arts and Technology is one of Canada's leading colleges in digital arts and technical training.
- Employment Data
- Wage and Salary Information
Central Okanagan | Animation/Film/Digital Media |
---|---|
Total Business | 200 |
W/O Employees | 142 |
W Employees | 58 |
1-4 | 30 |
5-9 | 9 |
10-19 | 9 |
20-49 | 8 |
50-99 | 0 |
100-199 | 2 |
200-499 | 0 |
500+ | 0 |
NOC | Median Wage Central Okanagan | Median Wage British Columbia |
---|---|---|
15 - Senior Managers Trade, Broadcasting and Other Services, n.e.c. | $30.63/HR | $36.91/HR |
2174 - Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers | $38.46/HR | $38.46/HR |
5131 - Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Occupations | $25.00/HR | $25.00/HR |
Competitive Advantages
- BC’s Out of Zone Regional + Distance tax credits - combined the tax credits available for shooting in Central Okanagan rank among the highest in North America
- The region was named the most Cost Competitive Region for business in the Pacific by KPMG in 2016
- Talent pipeline supported by responsive public post-secondary institutions and directed regional attraction and retention initiatives
- Proximity to and ease of travel to Vancouver (1-hour flight from YLW or 4-hour drive)
- The Okanagan Film Commission supports the film industry through infrastructure development, marketing and promotion
- Local production film studio
- Dark Fibre network in Kelowna