A local politician wants to ensure the North Okanagan has a starring role in the film industry.
John Trainor, an Armstrong councillor, is the new chairperson of the Okanagan Film Commission.
“It’s a pretty exciting time to be involved,” he said.
However, Trainor admits that a common perception among North Okanagan communities is they fund the commission but they don’t see much activity here.
“There have been things going on here. There was a commercial shoot at Silver Star last year and a lot of the crews live here,” he said.
And he expects more business in 2011 as the commission has received word of two commercials and four movies.
“One of them is a $3.5 million shoot and it will be in Vernon, Armstrong and Silver Star,” said Trainor.
Trainor is also convinced that film productions in Kelowna, Penticton or Osoyoos benefit the North Okanagan because local residents and businesses may be directly involved in the activities there.
“Economically, the industry is good for the region.”
The latest focus for the commission is animation and Ashley Ramsay, a longtime animation producer, has been hired as a film and new media officer.
“Digital animation is huge,” said Trainor, adding that animators are drawn to the valley’s lifestyle.
“They want to live here and they are bringing jobs with them.
