Film industry

Vehicles and film equipment at Holland Park in Surrey on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Looks like ‘Percy Jackson’ series is filming at Holland Park in Surrey

Police and fire vehicles with ‘St. Louis’ graphics were parked there Tuesday

 

Writer-producer Kraig Wenman in a set representing a Canadian bank constructed in Georgia for the film Bandit. (Contributed image courtesy of Kraig Wenman)

Crime ‘dramedy’ by White Rock screenwriter set for theatrical opening

Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel, Mel Gibson, a labour of love for writer-producer Kraig Wenman

 

Rita’s Diner in Cloverdale goes up in flames as cameras roll. The diner was built over the course of a week and set alight Aug. 10 for a scene in the upcoming Hilary Swank TV show “Alaska Daily.” (Photo submitted: Paul Orazietti)

Diner set on fire for new Hilary Swank TV show

Swank’s ‘Alaska Daily’ was filming in Cloverdale Aug. 10

 

Paul Orazietti walks across 176th in front of the Dann’s Electronics building. Because of the film history attached to Dann’s, Orazietti said the corner has become the most-photographed spot in Surrey. Orazietti is consulting on a new exhibition about Surrey’s rich film history that’ll open at the Museum of Surrey this fall. (Photo: Malin Jordan)

An exhibit on the city’s film history to open at Museum of Surrey this fall

Exhibition will highlight film and TV productions shot around town

Paul Orazietti walks across 176th in front of the Dann’s Electronics building. Because of the film history attached to Dann’s, Orazietti said the corner has become the most-photographed spot in Surrey. Orazietti is consulting on a new exhibition about Surrey’s rich film history that’ll open at the Museum of Surrey this fall. (Photo: Malin Jordan)
Michelle Asgarali, shown in a handout photo, is the producer of the new show “Breaking Character,” which follows a cast of disabled actors trying to make it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/-HO-AMI

‘Breaking Character’ is breaking boundaries in the world of disability representation

Docu-series tells the stories of 6 performers with disabilities

Michelle Asgarali, shown in a handout photo, is the producer of the new show “Breaking Character,” which follows a cast of disabled actors trying to make it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/-HO-AMI
Cloverdale’s 176 Street was turned into “Greendale” Nov. 15, 2019, when crews filmed scenes for Part 3 of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. (Photo: Malin Jordan)

B.C. district council for Directors Guild of Canada issues strike notice

Any production not covered by a ‘safe harbour agreement’ may be subject to action after 72 hours

Cloverdale’s 176 Street was turned into “Greendale” Nov. 15, 2019, when crews filmed scenes for Part 3 of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. (Photo: Malin Jordan)
The Directors Guild of Canada, B.C. District Council (DGC BC) has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C. film workers union overwhelmingly in favour of strike vote

Directors Guild of Canada, B.C. District Council members voted 92.2% in favour of a strike

The Directors Guild of Canada, B.C. District Council (DGC BC) has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. (Black Press Media file photo)
This image from the trailer of the 2021 Punjabi film <em>Honsla Rakh</em> was filmed in Surrey’s Brownsville Bar Park with New Westminster and the iconic Skybridge in the background. <em>Honsla Rakh</em> is a rom-com featuring superstar Diljit Dosanjh set in Vancouver and Surrey. Since its release, it has become one of the highest-grossing Punjabi films of all time. (Diljit Dosanjh/YouTube)

Cole’s Notes: B.C. could be the main star in films – but we can play any role

Film is a multi-billion dollar industry in B.C., but we rarely play ourselves on-screen

This image from the trailer of the 2021 Punjabi film <em>Honsla Rakh</em> was filmed in Surrey’s Brownsville Bar Park with New Westminster and the iconic Skybridge in the background. <em>Honsla Rakh</em> is a rom-com featuring superstar Diljit Dosanjh set in Vancouver and Surrey. Since its release, it has become one of the highest-grossing Punjabi films of all time. (Diljit Dosanjh/YouTube)
John Cena is seen filming ‘Peacemaker’ in Cloverdale in 2021. HBO Max recently announced the popular series has been renewed for a second season. (Photo: Malin Jordan)

Cloverdale-filmed TV series ‘Peacemaker’ renewed for second season

BIA director cautiously optimistic superhero series will return to film in Cloverdale

John Cena is seen filming ‘Peacemaker’ in Cloverdale in 2021. HBO Max recently announced the popular series has been renewed for a second season. (Photo: Malin Jordan)
Surrey-raised rapper Merkules outside the Green Timbers-area house where he grew up. (File photo: Tom Zillich)

YEAR IN REVIEW: Record low note, tour of rapper Merkules’ old Surrey house among entertaining stories

It was also fun to dig into the Cloverdale-area history of ‘Hot Rod,’ the lovably goofy 2007 comedy starring Andy Samberg

Surrey-raised rapper Merkules outside the Green Timbers-area house where he grew up. (File photo: Tom Zillich)
The TV series Superman Lois strengthened the B.C. economy to the tune of $95 million, says Motion Picture Association – Canada. (Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. photo)

Superman TV series strengthened B.C. economy by $95M, says movie association

Superman & Lois filmed in Delta, Surrey and Richmond

The TV series Superman Lois strengthened the B.C. economy to the tune of $95 million, says Motion Picture Association – Canada. (Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. photo)
Director/Writer Scott Cooper and Producer Guillermo del Toro on the set of ANTLERS. Photo by Kimberley French. © 2021 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved

Film industry an economic driver for B.C. towns says Canada’s Motion Picture Association

Four days of filming Antlers resulted in $10,000 for permit fees to District of Hope

Director/Writer Scott Cooper and Producer Guillermo del Toro on the set of ANTLERS. Photo by Kimberley French. © 2021 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved
Director Niki Caro (left) with ‘The Mother’ star Jennifer Lopez.(Twitter/@FilmUpdates)

PHOTOS: Upcoming Netflix movie ‘The Mother’ starring Jennifer Lopez comes to Agassiz area

Filming took place at the gas bar for three days

Director Niki Caro (left) with ‘The Mother’ star Jennifer Lopez.(Twitter/@FilmUpdates)
Image from a poster for the film “Arab Blues,” shown during the inaugural Shakti Film Festival in 2020. (Photo: filmfreeway.com)

Women in strong, creative roles the focus of films at second Surrey festival

Submissions sought in four categories for mid-October online screenings, with prizes awarded

Image from a poster for the film “Arab Blues,” shown during the inaugural Shakti Film Festival in 2020. (Photo: filmfreeway.com)
Peninsula actor Viva Lee, 11, is one of the regional finalists in the World Monologue Games, which will be livestreamed until October. Contributed photo

Young Semiahmoo Peninsula actor in monologue finals

Viva Lee will compete in online ‘lockdown-friendly’ event

Peninsula actor Viva Lee, 11, is one of the regional finalists in the World Monologue Games, which will be livestreamed until October. Contributed photo
Cloverdale BIA president Dean Moore and City of Surrey Film Liaison Officer James Monk received a cheque for $10,000 from the Scriptures Productions Inc. that will go towards the redevelopment of Hawthorne Square. The Scriptures gave the community donation to the BIA after they wrapped filming in Cloverdale after seven months. (Submitted)

BIA gets $10,000 to help redevelop Hawthorne Square

Money donated by the Scriptures Productions Inc. after filming ‘Peacemaker’ in Cloverdale for last seven months

Cloverdale BIA president Dean Moore and City of Surrey Film Liaison Officer James Monk received a cheque for $10,000 from the Scriptures Productions Inc. that will go towards the redevelopment of Hawthorne Square. The Scriptures gave the community donation to the BIA after they wrapped filming in Cloverdale after seven months. (Submitted)
Surrey’s Civic Plaza was featured in the trailer for the Disney+ reboot of “Turner & Hooch,” which is coming to the streaming service July 21. (Photo: Disney+/YouTube)

Surrey’s Civic Plaza featured in new Disney+ trailer for ‘Turner & Hooch’

City says local film industry ‘more active than ever’

Surrey’s Civic Plaza was featured in the trailer for the Disney+ reboot of “Turner & Hooch,” which is coming to the streaming service July 21. (Photo: Disney+/YouTube)
Natalie Brown and Colten Wilke star in the feature film Thunderbird, co-produced by South Surrey-raised Michael Morrison and released this month in Canada, the U.S and the U.K. (Contributed photo)

South Surrey-raised producer helps bring ‘Thunderbird’ to the screen

Michael Morrison guides B.C.-shot thriller with First Nations connection

Natalie Brown and Colten Wilke star in the feature film Thunderbird, co-produced by South Surrey-raised Michael Morrison and released this month in Canada, the U.S and the U.K. (Contributed photo)
Writer-producer Kraig Wenman in a set representing a Canadian bank constructed in Georgia for the film Bandit. Contributed photo

Feature film, Bandit, a step up for White Rock producer

Charismatic Canadian crime caper filming in Georgia features Mel Gibson, Josh Duhamel

Writer-producer Kraig Wenman in a set representing a Canadian bank constructed in Georgia for the film Bandit. Contributed photo
Paul Orazietti stands outside the Dann’s Electronics building which has been transformed into “Henenlotter Video” while being used for James Gunn’s HBO Max series “Peacemaker.” (Photo: Malin Jordan)

Cloverdale may soon have an all-things film and TV webpage that will chronicle the area’s film history

Paul Orazietti discusses his plan to help bring more film fans to the Cloverdale area

Paul Orazietti stands outside the Dann’s Electronics building which has been transformed into “Henenlotter Video” while being used for James Gunn’s HBO Max series “Peacemaker.” (Photo: Malin Jordan)
Pop-up banner image