The film industry sees most local communities sitting on the sidelines financially, and that is generating some frustration.
Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, urged her Regional District of North Okanagan colleagues Wednesday to join the function that funds the Okanagan Film Commission.
“The regional district supports the film commission but it’s only three jurisdictions,” she said.
The function’s members are Armstrong, Coldstream and Vernon, with the other three municipalities and five electoral areas not participating.
“Our taxpayers would prefer probably not to pay either,” said Cunningham. “A lot of the movies are not done in Vernon.”
A total of $33,000 from Vernon, Armstrong and Coldstream will go to the OBWB in 2016.
“This is a worthwhile machine that keeps moving forward,” said Brian Quiring, Vernon director.
RDNO members have been urged to rally behind the film commission by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
“We believe equitable contribution to the OFC means all areas contribute their fair share based on the knowledge that over time, all areas will benefit from film production,” said Dan Rogers, chamber manager, in a letter.
It is too late for non-participating communities to join the regional function for 2016, but there are ways for them to contribute.
“Each jurisdiction has the ability to provide or not provide a grant on their own,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer.
Enderby has provided funds to the film commission on its own and has $900 budgeted for this year.
“We are paying,” said director Greg McCune, who isn’t sure why Enderby isn’t part of the RDNO service.
Possible support for the film commission will be discussed at Thursday’s Electoral Area Advisory Committee session.