About North Vancouver
North Vancouver is a municipality in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is located immediately to the north of the City of Vancouver. Together with the City of Vancouver and other municipalities, it makes up the metropolitan area known as Greater Vancouver.
The City of North Vancouver offers many benefits for filmmakers. It’s a short drive from bustling downtown Vancouver, offering award-winning filming services for movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos, etc. Productions filmed there can take advantage of the city's diverse landscape, which includes urban streets, forests, mountains, and waterways. It also offers various production services and facilities, including sound stages, post-production studios, and equipment rental companies.
In addition, North Vancouver is home to several experienced crew members who are familiar with all aspects of film production. Whatever you plan to film in North Vancouver, you are sure to find the perfect filming location and crew for your project.
Filming Options in North Vancouver
- Production Company
Production companies that have been filming in North Vancouver are experts in capturing the beauty and diversity of the area. They are experts at creating high-quality videos that stand out and grab the viewers’ attention. They have a wide range of equipment and crew at their disposal. It means you don’t have to carry the burden of buying cameras and tools and finding people to help you carry out the project.
- Catering
Several excellent caterers in North Vancouver can provide everything from simple snacks to full meals for the cast and crew. They will work with you to identify any dietary concerts and restrictions and devise a creative menu that satisfies your taste and budget and meets your needs.
- Equipment Rental
Cameras, audio equipment, and lenses, not to mention accessories like tripods, gimbals, and lights, can be costly. Instead of buying brand new ones, you can rely on the best equipment rental companies in North Vancouver to provide a wide range of equipment available. They give you access to high-end production equipment for just a fraction of the price.
- Make-up Artist
Outstanding make-up artists in North Vancouver not only specialize in hair and make-up, but they can also do special effects make-up for stunts or period pieces. They have experience and expertise in the entertainment industry, so they know what works for film and video.
Filming Vendors in North Vancouver
- Zeus Media Production
Zeus Media Production is a full-service corporate video production company with over ten years of experience in Vancouver's video production industry. They work with start-ups, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large corporations on their video marketing and branded content needs. You can rely on their professional, flexible, and customer-focused services for all Vancouver corporate video production and Aerial Video needs.
- Jive Jive Hair & Makeup
Jive Jive Hair & Makeup is the place to go when you want a salon that provides Japanese beauty treatments. This family-run business has been operating for over three generations and its excellence has been recognized at world-renowned contests, such as The Vidal Sassoon cups and The Shiseido Beauty Festival Contest, where they have won awards.
- SERVED Catering
Trevor and Michelle Gostlin, the masterminds behind SERVED Catering, have a shared passion for food and outstanding service. They believe that good food is the foundation of any great event, so they only use the freshest ingredients in their signature dishes. With years of experience and training between them, they ensure that the cast and crew receive adequate nutrition to keep up with the demands of tough work days.
Pros and Cons of Filming in North Vancouver
North Vancouver is an amazing filming location due to its diverse landscape, proximity to downtown Vancouver, and numerous advantages. However, there are some potential cons that filmmakers should consider before choosing North Vancouver as their filming destination. Here are some of the pros and cons of renting locations in North Vancouver for film production:
Advantages
- North Vancouver has a variety of landscapes. From tranquil forests and snowy winter scenes to rocky peaks with breathtaking views, this city has something for every kind of project.
- With its proximity to downtown Vancouver, it's easy to access all the necessary amenities such as transportation, accommodations, and supplies while still being able to benefit from the scenic backdrops that North Vancouver offers.
- The local government is very supportive of film production in the area and often provides incentives such as tax credits or reduced permit fees which can help make budgeting easier.
- There is an abundance of affordable rental studios available in the area which provide filmmakers with more options for creating their desired look on a budget.
Disadvantages
- During peak season (May - October), there can be increased competition for filming locations which may lead to higher prices for rentals or difficulty finding availability.
- Depending on your project's needs, certain locations might not have enough space or infrastructure available (such as parking lots or power sources).
- During winter months (November - April), the weather can be unpredictable and could pose challenges when trying to achieve certain shots outdoors.
Tips on How to Organize Filming in North Vancouver
Preparing a location for filming in North Vancouver is an important step in the filmmaking process, and it can be an overwhelming task. To help make sure your shoot goes as smoothly as possible, here are several tips on how to organize filming in North Vancouver:
- Research the laws and regulations: Before you begin planning your film shoot, make sure you’re aware of all the laws and regulations of North Vancouver when it comes to shooting films. This will help you gain clarity and understanding of what you can and cannot do when it comes to using public spaces or filming in private areas.
- Outline a detailed schedule: For any successful filming session, you must outline a detailed plan or schedule beforehand. This will be helpful not only from an organizational perspective but also from an operational one as well. It's important to note down expected start times, breaks, lunch hours, etc., so everyone involved with the production is clear as to what will happen next regarding the project they are working on.
- Arrange transportation and parking options: When organizing a production site in North Vancouver, make sure adequate transportation options and parking spots are available for cast members and crew members alike. Consider hiring transportation services if necessary or arranging shuttle buses if there are multiple locations involved with the film shoot.
- Secure permits and insurance: Make sure all necessary permits are secured before beginning work at any studio or outdoor space in North Vancouver. Additionally, double-check that insurance has been arranged just in case any unexpected issues arise while shooting at these locations, such as property damage or injury claims.
- Inspect safety protocols and equipment: Before commencing any activities on set, do a thorough inspection of all safety protocols as well as equipment needed for filming such as cameras, lighting equipment, etc. This ensures that nothing goes wrong once people arrive at the shooting site itself.
Famous Locations in North Vancouver
- Lynn Canyon Park
A lot of people visit Lynn Canyon Park because it is located in a lovely valley and has plenty to offer. The park opened its doors to the public in 1912 and has since been a go-to spot for locals and tourists. Its most prominent feature is the massive 50-meter (160-foot) Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge that spans the gorge. The bridge is part of the Baden Powell Trail, which makes it an excellent location for photographs. Besides the bridge, several hiking routes are accessible at this destination, as well as facilities such as the Lynn Canyon Cafe and Ecology Centre to enjoy.
- The Eye of the Wind
The Eye of the Wind is a must-see for anyone visiting Vancouver. Located on top of Grouse Mountain, this 65-meter (215 ft.) wind turbine offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, harbor, and coastal mountains. What makes the Eye of the Wind truly unique is its glass viewPOD, which allows visitors to stand just 10 feet from the turbine's rotating blades. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Garibaldi, Mount Baker, and Mount Rainier in the distance.
- Maplewood Farm
Maplewood Farm is a unique and charming place for all ages set in a rural agricultural environment on two hectares (five acres) in North Vancouver. It features over 200 domestic and friendly farm animals, birds, and kid-friendly activities, such as covered picnic areas, farm rides, and animal feedings. Maplewood Farm also welcomes birthday parties, school field trips, and group gatherings. Visiting children are welcome to explore the property with their farm hands, who are always happy to show them around and answer any questions they may have.
