In response to a rising number of television and film permit applications, the City of Langley is raising the fees it charges production companies to shoot on location.
Council gave preliminary approval to the new fee schedule on Monday.
The vote was unanimous.
Among other things, the cost of a film permit application fee in Langley City has risen from a flat $210 to a sliding scale that appears designed to discourage last-minute applications.
If a production company applies more than 10 days before filming, the cost of a filming permit application fee is $300.
If the application is made less than 10 days in advance, the price rises to $500.
At the same time the new fee schedule would give student filmmakers a break, charging them $50.
Langley is a popular venue for production companies because they can claim an additional regional area tax credit of 12.5 per cent on top of existing incentives.
The tax break applies to productions east of 200 Street which makes Langley especially attractive because it is still relatively close to downtown production facilities.
City stats show the number of film permits issued last year was nearly double the average at 28 and this year is on track to be even busier, with an average of two applications a week.
Film and TV production has skyrocketed in B.C. thanks to the dropping Canadian dollar that has made the province that much cheaper for U.S.companies.
