Filming
Mayor and Council support the film industry, and recognize the economic and social benefits it brings to our community.
Current filming in BC
The City of Duncan expects all production companies and their cast and crews to abide by the BC Motion Picture Industry Code of Conduct, which outlines community expectations when filming in British Columbia.
Film Production
The City of Duncan is considered a desirable location to film, with the feel of a small town charm and mountain backdrop. We encourage film production companies to choose our municipality as the Vancouver Island film destination.
Each production wishing to film on private or public property in the City of Duncan jurisdiction must obtain all necessary approved municipal and agency permits in advance of filming.
Please familiarize yourself with the City’s Film Policy. At the time of your next filming application, you must sign acknowledgement of having read and understood the documents.
We offer simple, straightforward processes, timely turnaround, reasonable fees, and client location confidentiality.
Getting Started
- Familiarize yourself with the City’s Film Policy and applicable bylaws.
- Submit a completed Film Application package and application payment to City Hall or to duncan@duncan.ca
- Contact the City’s Corporate Services Department to confirm receipt of the application: 250-746-6126
- Advise the CVRD Economic Development, Film Coordinator to ensure other productions are not happening elsewhere in the region: www.ecdevcowichan.ca
- If filming downtown, advise and work with the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area (DDBIA) of the filming ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.
Applicable Information and Application Forms:
Websites
Bylaws
The City has a number of bylaws and policies that may affect the film production. Below are a few to consider when working out your production plan:
| Fees and Charges Bylaw | Parks and Public Open Spaces Bylaw |
| Streets and Parking Regulation Bylaw | Good Neighbor Bylaw |
| Smoke-Free Bylaw | Sign Bylaw |
| Business Licence Regulation Bylaw |
Contributing to our Community Partners in Film Reserve
Production companies that are interested, can make donations and other contributions to a City reserve fund and receive a tax receipt. This reserve fund will fund future, small-scale improvements across our community, such as playground equipment, park benches, and picnic tables. For more information, contact our Director of Finance at 250-746-6126.
Residents and Businesses
There may be some disruption to routines during filming. We thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation when film productions are taking place in our community.
The direct economic impact for the City is unknown at this time, but the film and television industry is an economic driver injecting funds into the local economy and employing many in the industry. Production companies may employ local residents and support local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, florists, car rentals, dry cleaners, and other suppliers, as well provide possible improvements to the City.
Film productions filming on private property, including resident homes or businesses, must first apply to the City of Duncan through the Film Application process and apply for a business license.
Film productions are also responsible to directly negotiate terms and costs associated to use any private property with the owner/occupant. The City and the DDBIA remain external to these private negotiations. If you feel your business has been affected by the filming, it is best to work out the negotiations with the production crew. If a resolution cannot be mutually agreed upon, you may contact Creative BC to assist.
Members of the Public
In some instances, the production company may do a local casting call for extras. Keep a look out in the newspaper, on websites and social media!
Taking photos of the production work site may not be permissible. For the respect of their workplace, and confidentiality of the production, please ask the production crew first before taking any photos.
Due to confidentiality of some productions, the general public may not be notified. In the event of the filming is confidential and affecting a business or residence, the owner or resident(s) may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. If there is a road closure or work permit produced and the production is confidential, notification of the road closure will be sent out to notify the public, however details may not be disclosed.
