Lights, camera, construction!
Could Hollywood’s next big filmmaker be honing their skills in B.C.?
A rendering shows the concept for a film studio project at Camosun College in B.C. – Camosun College
Camosun College is looking to build a film studio on its interurban campus.
To kick things off, the B.C. school has posted a request for pre-qualification for the project on BC Bid.
“Camosun is hoping to turn its vision of a commercial film studio combined with educational components into a reality with the release of a Request for Pre-Qualification,” said Geoff Wilmshurst, Camosun’s vice president of partnerships. “The process is intended to result in an innovative proposal that benefits the college, students and the local economy.”
The school is looking for proponents to become pre-qualified to design, build and fund a film and digital media education centre in exchange for a 99-year lease.
Officials explained that responses will determine a shortlist of respondents who will then be invited to the second stage through a request for proposals from which a preferred proponent will be identified and enter into an agreement with Camosun.
The school stated that next steps include an all-proponent meeting later this month with a submission deadline of Sept. 30. Exact dimensions, size, layout, timelines and costs will be finalized with the input of the preferred proponent.
A copy of the request for pre-qualification is available at bcbid.gov.bc.ca.
In spring 2021, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training provided $150,000 to assist Camosun in the exploration of educational opportunities for students in the B.C. film industry and the potential development of an on-campus film studio.
The film industry in B.C. generates approximately $3.4 billion of revenue annually with most of the work in Vancouver.
