ABOUT US
Attracting production to the Kootenays and building up our local film sector
Production resources for your next shoot
Kootenay Film is here to attract film, television and commercial productions to the Kootenay region and to develop and support the local film sector. We aim to create local jobs, bring awareness to the region and position ourselves as a unique and premiere destination for filming.
Kootenay Film is made up of the Kootenay Regional Film Commission and the Kootenay Screen-Based Industry (KSBI) initiative.
Kootenay Film is brought to you by NCTS (Nelson Civic Theatre Society), which started the KSBI initiative and the Kootenay Film Commission (a partnered effort between Kootenay Rockies Tourism and NCTS). With oversight and input from the provincial film commission at Creative BC, we all work together with our communities to foster our region as a prime location for film production.
We respectfully acknowledge that Kootenay Film operates on the traditional homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation and within the unceded lands of the Secwepemc (suh-Wep-muhc), Syilx (sighlx) and the Sinixt (sin-eyekst) Nations. We pay respect to those First Nations and are grateful to live, work, travel and recreate on these lands and waters.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring positive economic and cultural benefits to the Kootenay region through community partnerships, strategic marketing, tourism and infrastructure development related to film and provide educational and training opportunities for local film industry workers.
About
the Kootenay Regional Film Commission
The Kootenay Regional Film Commission (KRFC) is a collaborative partnership between NCTS and Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT), with oversight and input from Creative BC.
We design strategies and opportunities for economic development through increased capacity in film service and attraction for the region.
The Kootenay Regional Film Commission and our commissioner, John Wittmayer:
- Are the first point of contact for all Kootenay Rockies film-related activities
- Assist production companies coming to the region
- Market and attract productions to the region, in collaboration with tourism strategies and activities
- Develop regional film resources including the locations library, crew and supply services database and filming activity reporting and tracking
- Provide educational and training opportunities to local film industry workers
The KRT and NCTS Partnership:
- Brings knowledge, expertise and capacity in the fields of tourism and destination management, economic and cultural development, film presentation and production, community program and service provision, and respective local, national and international networks in their fields
- Offers full regional coverage, facilitating cohesive communication and ease of logistics for production across a large, low-density area of British Columbia
About
John WITTMAYER
Kootenay Regional Film Commissioner
Our film commissioner, John Wittmayer, has been working in the BC film industry since 1985. He has worked on over 60 TV movies, feature films, TV series, documentary films, and TV commercials as a Location Manager, Production Manager, Unit Manager and Producer.
He is here to help incoming productions with:
- Consultation
- Location scouting
- Production liaising
- Connections to local industry contacts and crew
- Transportation, accommodations and more
About
John WITTMAYOR
Kootenay Regional Film Commissioner
Our film commissioner, John Wittmayer, has been working in the BC film industry since 1985. He has worked on over 60 TV movies, feature films, TV series, documentary films, and TV commercials as a Location Manager, Production Manager, Unit Manager and Producer.
He is here to help incoming productions with:
- Consultation
- Location scouting
- Production liaising
- Connections to local industry contacts and crew
- Transportation, accommodations and more
About
Kootenay Rockies Tourism
Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT) is a registered non-profit society and has operated since 1978 and represents over 800 tourism businesses and operators. This includes resorts, accommodation properties, wellness retreats, golf, ski, adventure, communities, retail, food & beverage, transportation, arts & culture and attractions. KRT works on behalf of tourism stakeholders located in the geographic area of southeastern BC known as the Kootenay Rockies region.
About
Ncts
Rescued and renewed by our passionate community, NCTS (Nelson Civic Theatre Society) was born out of a local desire to preserve and support a space that everyone could call home. We are a cinema-primary cultural connector and charitable organization that brings great ideas to our community and puts great ideas out into the world. NCTS operates The Civic Theatre and 225 Hall (home of The Shoebox Theatre and Reo’s Video) in Nelson, BC. Guided by our passion to reflect the vibrant and dynamic personalities that make our region shine, we foster a love of film, nurture dialogue, and amplify the filmmakers and industry leaders of today and tomorrow.
About
Ncts
Rescued and renewed by our passionate community, NCTS (Nelson Civic Theatre Society) was born out of a local desire to preserve and support a space that everyone could call home. We are a cinema-primary cultural connector and charitable organization that brings great ideas to our community and puts great ideas out into the world. NCTS operates The Civic Theatre and 225 Hall (home of The Shoebox Theatre and Reo’s Video) in Nelson, BC. Guided by our passion to reflect the vibrant and dynamic personalities that make our region shine, we foster a love of film, nurture dialogue, and amplify the filmmakers and industry leaders of today and tomorrow.
About
Established in 1978, the Provincial Film Commission at Creative BC delivers, supports and resources both the motion picture industry and the communities, stakeholders and various partners that contribute to its longevity. Creative BC’s Provincial Film Commission is crucial to sustaining motion picture activity in BC. It promotes and facilitates the province’s production capabilities that make B.C. both a global centre of creative excellence and a full-service hub.
Beyond Metro Vancouver, there are eight provincially-funded regional film commissions that are supported by Creative BC and collaborate to promote, serve and assist their economic regions through local knowledge, industry expertise and ground support to regional productions.
Committed to our core values
Kootenay Film operates with our core values at the forefront of everything we do. We are committed to building up and supporting our local communities, leaving no trace in our pristine wilderness locations and uplifting women, youth, IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and other marginalized people and groups through thoughtfully-developed programs and initiatives that prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion.
About the Kootenay Screen Based Industry (KSBI) Initiative
The Kootenay Screen Based Industry (KSBI) initiative aims to connect a highly engaged group of people working in all aspects of film, video, TV and online production in the Kootenay region. We do this through events, professional development opportunities, meetups and more. KSBI workers are positioned to be ready to serve the production companies that the Kootenay Regional Film Commission will attract here to film.
Shout Out to Our Partners and Funders
Big thanks to our incredible partners and funders who have supported the KSBI Initiative over the years:
