With the threat of United States tariffs looming over the film industry, local production companies have not yet pressed the panic button.
President Donald Trump has threatened a 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside the United States.
However, those working on this side of the border believe the president has not put a lot of thought into his prospective plan.
Last year 100 productions were shot in Maple Ridge, with a total of 810 film activity days, and an estimated economic impact of $8.54 million, a 43 per cent increase in revenue compared to 2022. .
Draeven McGowan, senior advisor, film development for the City of Maple Ridge, said the threat of tariffs has had a minimal effect on productions currently planned or underway for this year.
However, if tariffs were implemented, the consequences would not be felt until the beginning of next year, he said.
McGowan noted, the practicality of putting tariffs on film production is questionable because forcing the U.S. creative industry to produce locally instead of abroad is not sustainable.
"Film is an intricate industry with project scopes ranging from 1-off plug and play to exceptionally creative and complex, spanning multiple locations, borders, skill sets, and industries. Imposing tariffs could initiate an endless cycle of compliance loophole creations and closures," he said.
"Any tariff introduced would likely create prolonged negative consequences, domestically and internationally, particularly for the United States."
Nigel Williams, the production manager of a Lifetime Network film currently being shot in Maple Ridge called "Girl in a Cell", noted nobody in the industry that he knows of is panicking just yet.
"As a production company, here, we don't feel it's going to impact us at this point," he said.
Just because Donald Trump said so, doesn't necessarily mean it's going to happen, continued Williams, noting there are many steps involved in implementing tariffs, including having the support of the United States senate.
He believes Trump's intention is to put tariffs on foreign films, as opposed to American productions that are saving money by filming in Canada because of the low value of the Canadian dollar.
More movies could be produced in the United States, he said, but at a much higher cost, explained Williams, noting that Canada is contributing to the American film industry, not taking anything away.
"I just don't think Mr. Trump has thought it through that far," said Williams.
Onsite assistant location manager Daniel Davies, said implementing tariffs is very difficult when you are talking about film.
"Because, film, basically is intellectual property and it travels in a digital media," he said.
Davies echoed Williams, saying they are producing American content for American studios, who come north because of the lower dollar. He believes what would really hurt the Canadian film industry would be a lower American dollar and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar.
He said the threat of tariffs has thrown disruption into the industry, though.
"We didn't need additional turmoil to the B.C. film industry. We're already only operating around 30 or 40 per cent right now. We haven't recovered from the strike," he said referring to the 2023 strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
"You know, we had an OK year last year but still production is way down," he said.
McGowan, believes this is an opportunity for the province and the nation to further invest in and develop domestic content creations, or Canadian-led films and television shows.
McGowan thinks a more locally-driven film industry could lead to more national pride and, "amplify the unique social, economic, and cultural benefits derived from our film and creative sectors."
City of Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy, said they are standing strong with the local film industry and will continue to support the growth of Canadian content, while ensuring the region remains a "thriving hub" for film and television.
"Girl in a Cell" is based on a true story about a single mother who locks her teenage daughter in a storm cellar to stop her from running away with a boy after prom. But when the community becomes involved in trying to find the missing teen, the mother doesn't know how to get her out without being charged with a crime. It is expected to air on the Lifetime Network sometime in July.
