Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission Cover Letter
Letter from Film Commissioner Tara-Lee Novak reporting on 2025 film activity and requesting 2026 support.
February 26, 2026 Town of View Royal Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
Dear Mayor Tobias,
On behalf of the Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission’s board, staff, 390 members and 300 registered businesses, I send our sincere appreciation for your support. Your investment of $2000 in 2025 helped our non-profit secure a total of 25 film projects for the South Island - including View Royal. These 337 days of filming created hundreds of local jobs and economic benefits across a variety of sectors in our region.
With your support, our film commission supported the success of the following projects, all of which filmed throughout the South Island:
- Lionsgate Canada’s series PRIVATE EYES WEST COAST
- Plan B Production’s feature film, A BAD DAY AT CAMP TIVOLI
- Great Pacific Media’s INTERCEPTED: THE QB AND ME
- Bear Paw Production’s special, FOR THE WIN
- 20th Century Film’s TRACKER
- 5 episodes of Come Dine With Me Canada
- 7 Movies of the Week
- 2 music videos
- Several indie projects including, THE BRYCE LEE STORY and SENIOR DISCOUNT
- Commercials
In 2025, the film commission hosted a range of strategic initiatives to support industry growth and workforce development. These included a familiarization tour for studio executives in partnership with Creative BC to showcase the region’s tourism and film assets; an electric battery workshop during Creative Industries Week in collaboration with Creative BC’s Reel Green, IATSE 891 and MBS Equipment, an introductory location scouting session for volunteers and staff as well as two Meet the Producers networking events.
In addition, we produced five government tours of local sound stage conversions. Notably, all of this work was accomplished with a team of just two full-time staff.
We understand from View Royal residents and businesses that the film sector has ignited community investments and pride. We hope you’re as happy with the return on your investment as we are with the collaboration we’ve received from View Royal.
We look forward to your continued partnership and working together in 2026.
With gratitude,
Tara-Lee Novak, Film Commissioner