Vancouver Film Studios
Encyclopedia
Vancouver Film Studios is a film production centre located in Vancouver
, British Columbia
. It is the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles
in North America and is operated by the McLean Group of Companies
. VFS in 2006 was the recipient of a BC Export Award in the New Media and Entertainment section, and was recognized as one of the top 21 exporters in British Columbia, Canada
.
and Grandview Highway was first purchased by the McLean Group of Companies in the early 1980s. At the time of purchase many businesses were located there including: a gift centre, mattress factory, stonemason, commercial dry cleaner, bakery, electronics store, elevator test facility, tools wholesaler, and a cigarette company. Today Roots Canada is the only original company still located on the property.
In 1987, Northstar International Studios was purchased, marking the beginning of film production for the company. The studio has since been renamed, 'Studio D' and continues to be Vancouver Film Studio's busiest 'studio'. Between 1987 and 1995 more buildings and land were purchased and dedicated to expanding the newly formed film production centre. In 1998 Northstar International Studios was renamed Vancouver Film Studios and six sound stages and supporting space begun construction.
The first structure to be built by the company was 'Building G' in 1999 and completed by February 2000. In that time the entire production centre had 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) dedicated to its productions, 10 sound stages, as well as other misc buildings. In March 2000, construction of 'Building J' and 'Building C' began, both were completed by July 2001. Construction for 'Building A' began in November 2001 and opened for use in April 2002. With growing demand, two new structures, 'Building H ' and 'Building I', were ordered in December 2002 and opened in April 2003.
on the roof. The single pad is restricted to private use only and is operated by the Studio Air Group.
parking lot, it was renovated in August 2001 to create VFS' largest sound stage, at 40000 sq ft (3,716.1 m²).
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. It is the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in North America and is operated by the McLean Group of Companies
McLean Group of Companies
McLean Group of Companies is collective of companies owned by the McLean family in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company's head offices are located in Vancouver and primarily invests in the development of real estate projects in North America. The company also has businesses in aviation,...
. VFS in 2006 was the recipient of a BC Export Award in the New Media and Entertainment section, and was recognized as one of the top 21 exporters in British Columbia, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
History
The area of Boundary RoadBoundary Road (Vancouver/Burnaby)
Boundary Road is one of the most important traffic corridors in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It runs south from Burrard Inlet to the Fraser River separating Vancouver from Burnaby....
and Grandview Highway was first purchased by the McLean Group of Companies in the early 1980s. At the time of purchase many businesses were located there including: a gift centre, mattress factory, stonemason, commercial dry cleaner, bakery, electronics store, elevator test facility, tools wholesaler, and a cigarette company. Today Roots Canada is the only original company still located on the property.
In 1987, Northstar International Studios was purchased, marking the beginning of film production for the company. The studio has since been renamed, 'Studio D' and continues to be Vancouver Film Studio's busiest 'studio'. Between 1987 and 1995 more buildings and land were purchased and dedicated to expanding the newly formed film production centre. In 1998 Northstar International Studios was renamed Vancouver Film Studios and six sound stages and supporting space begun construction.
The first structure to be built by the company was 'Building G' in 1999 and completed by February 2000. In that time the entire production centre had 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) dedicated to its productions, 10 sound stages, as well as other misc buildings. In March 2000, construction of 'Building J' and 'Building C' began, both were completed by July 2001. Construction for 'Building A' began in November 2001 and opened for use in April 2002. With growing demand, two new structures, 'Building H ' and 'Building I', were ordered in December 2002 and opened in April 2003.
Studios
Vancouver Film Studios has 13 sound stages and several other buildings dedicated to offices, warehouses, mills, housing, and film-related.Building A
A sound stage, construction ship, offices, and warehouse. Located on a 1.8 acres (7,284.3 m²) site with the building measuring 27840 sq ft (2,586.4 m²). The two sound stages, Stage A1 and Stage A2, measure 12500 sq ft (1,161.3 m²) and 15000 sq ft (1,393.5 m²).Building B
Vancouver Film Studios Ltd. purchased the building in 1997. Originally the building was used to construct elevators by the Heede Crane Company, but became dedicated to film production shortly after being purchased. In 2001, the building was renovated to become the art production offices and host two 15000 sq ft (1,393.5 m²) sound stages. B-3 is a 4600 sq ft (427.4 m²) mill and construction space.Building C
Offices for the Vancouver Film Studios and Pacific Production Supportís with a certified heliportHeliport
A heliport is a small airport suitable only for use by helicopters. Heliports typically contain one or more helipads and may have limited facilities such as fuel, lighting, a windsock, or even hangars...
on the roof. The single pad is restricted to private use only and is operated by the Studio Air Group.
Building D
Building D was the beginning of Vancouver Film Studios in 1987 as the Northstart International Studio. The building is 22270 sq ft (2,069 m²) and hosts offices as well as sound stages located at 3596 Cornett Road.Building F
A 13500 sq ft (1,254.2 m²) film-related housing centre on a 0.6 acres (2,428.1 m²) site located at 3696 Cornett Road. The building also has one sound stage and a mill space.Building G
One of the original businesses, the Dynamex Courier warehouse, was demolished in 1999 for the construction of Building G. Its construction was completed in March 2000.Buildings H & I
Originally a 24200 sq ft (2,248.3 m²) building on a 1.2 acres (4,856.2 m²) site located at 3625 East 11th Avenue, it was demolished in 2002 and replaced with two sound stages 15000 sq ft (1,393.5 m²) each).Building J
Originally a CostcoCostco
Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the United States. it is the third largest retailer in the United States, where it originated, and the ninth largest in the world...
parking lot, it was renovated in August 2001 to create VFS' largest sound stage, at 40000 sq ft (3,716.1 m²).
Building K
Vancouver Film Studios' transportation building located at 2727 Boundary Road its 55000 sq ft (5,109.7 m²) on a 2.2 acres (8,903.1 m²) site.Building M
Located at 3645 Grandview Highway, this 31680 sq ft (2,943.2 m²) building is equipped with one sound stage, offices, hair and make-up, and extras hold area.Building N
Houses the Pacific Giftcenter located at 3605 Grandview Highway and was purchased in 1985.See also
- Cinema of Canada
- Hollywood NorthHollywood NorthHollywood North, an allusion to Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States, a notable film centre in the world, is a colloquialism used to describe film production industries and or film locations north of its namesake...
- Lions Gate Studios
- Bridge Studios