Vancouver Film Studios

Vancouver Film Studios is a film production centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia.[1] It is the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles in North America[2] and is operated by the McLean Group of Companies. VFS in 2006 was the recipient of a BC Export Award in the New Media and Entertainment section, and was recognized as one of the top 21 exporters in British Columbia, Canada.[3]

History

The area of Boundary Road and Grandview Highway was first purchased by the McLean Group of Companies in the early 1980s. At the time of purchase many businesses were located there including: a gift centre, mattress factory, stonemason, commercial dry cleaner, bakery, electronics store, elevator test facility, tools wholesaler, and a cigarette company.[4] Today Roots Canada is the only original company still located on the property.

In 1987, Northstar International Studios was purchased, marking the beginning of film production for the company. The studio has since been renamed, 'Studio D' and continues to be Vancouver Film Studio's busiest 'studio'.[4] Between 1987 and 1995 more buildings and land were purchased and dedicated to expanding the newly formed film production centre. In 1998 Northstar International Studios was renamed Vancouver Film Studios and six sound stages and supporting space begun construction.[4]

The first structure to be built by the company was 'Building G' in 1999 and completed by February 2000. In that time the entire production centre had 30 acres (120,000 m2) dedicated to its productions, 10 sound stages, as well as other misc buildings. In March 2000, construction of 'Building J' and 'Building C' began, both were completed by July 2001. Construction for 'Building A' began in November 2001 and opened for use in April 2002. With growing demand, two new structures, 'Building H ' and 'Building I', were ordered in December 2002 and opened in April 2003.[4]

Studios

Vancouver Film Studios has 13 sound stages and several other buildings dedicated to offices, warehouses, mills, housing, and film-related.[2][5][6]

Building A

A sound stage, construction shop, offices, and warehouse. Located on a 1.8-acre (7,300 m2) site with the building measuring 27,840 sq ft (2,586 m2). The two sound stages, Stage A1 and Stage A2, measure 12,500 sq ft (1,160 m2) and 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2).

Building B

Vancouver Film Studios Ltd. purchased the building in 1997. Originally the building was used to construct elevators by the Heede Crane Company, but became dedicated to film production shortly after being purchased. In 2001, the building was renovated to become the art production offices and host two 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) sound stages. B-3 is a 4,600 sq ft (430 m2) mill and construction space.

Building C

Offices for the Vancouver Film Studios and Pacific Production Supportís.

Building D

Building D was the beginning of Vancouver Film Studios in 1987 as the Northstart International Studio. The building is 22,270 sq ft (2,069 m2) and hosts offices as well as sound stages located at 3596 Cornett Road.

Building E

Acquired in 1997, the building was renovated for new offices and extra parking.

Building F

A 13,500 sq ft (1,250 m2) film-related housing centre on a 0.6-acre (2,400 m2) site located at 3696 Cornett Road. The building also has one sound stage and a mill space.

Building G

One of the original businesses, the Dynamex Courier warehouse, was demolished in 1999 for the construction of Building G. Its construction was completed in March 2000.

Buildings H & I

Originally a 24,200 sq ft (2,250 m2) building on a 1.2-acre (4,900 m2) site located at 3625 East 11th Avenue, it was demolished in 2002 and replaced with two sound stages 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) each).

Building J

Originally a Costco parking lot, it was renovated in August 2001 to create VFS' largest sound stage, at 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2).

Building K

Vancouver Film Studios' transportation building located at 2727 Boundary Road its 55,000 sq ft (5,100 m2) on a 2.2-acre (8,900 m2) site.

Building L

Renovated in 2001, it is a 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) mill.

Building M

Located at 3645 Grandview Highway, this 31,680 sq ft (2,943 m2) building is equipped with one sound stage, offices, hair and make-up, and extras hold area.

Building N

Houses the Pacific Giftcenter located at 3605 Grandview Highway and was purchased in 1985.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "BC Film Industry". Hollywood North FilmNet. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  2. 1 2 "Vancouver Film Industry Overview & Links". Vancouver.com. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  3. ↑ "The McLean Group of Companies Overview". The McLean Group of Companies. Archived from the original on 2006-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "History of Vancouver Film Studios". Vancouver Film Studios. Archived from the original on March 12, 2008. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  5. ↑ "Link profile: Vancouver Film Studios". ChannelCanada.com. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  6. ↑ "The McLean Group Real Estate". The McLean Group of Companies. Archived from the original on 2006-11-04. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
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