Netflix’s Virgin River: A Small Town Story with Big Economic Impact, with $44.4 Million Spent on Season Five in B.C.
New data released today demonstrates the astounding impact of Netflix’s Virgin River in British Columbia, with $44.4 million spent on the fifth season alone.
From set decorators to sound editors, costume designers and more, the production spent $29.3 million on local wages and salaries and supported more than 390 talented British Columbians. The remaining $15.1 million was spent with a wide range of B.C. businesses on the purchase of local production-related goods and services like catering, lumber, equipment rentals and more. Season five alone supported more than 500 local businesses in communities across the province.
In addition to the direct economic impact of the production, popular series like Virgin River help showcase British Columbia to global audiences and can even attract film-induced tourists keen to explore local landscapes and locations. In the case of Virgin River, one such example is the Watershed Grill in Brackendale. Serving as the exterior inspiration for the show’s central gathering spot – Jack’s Bar – the grill has become a draw for thousands of fans from all over the world.
The series wrapped shooting its sixth season in B.C. earlier this year. Seasons one through five are available to stream on Netflix and the full 10-episode sixth season of Virgin River premieres on Netflix on Thursday, Dec. 19.
*All figures calculated in Canadian dollars*
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“Long-standing productions like Virgin River are driving economic growth across B.C., and British Columbians are taking notice,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “We know that incentives and investments in B.C.’s film sector are generating significant returns for British Columbians, local film crews, and B.C. businesses. We are incredibly proud of our film sector’s world-class reputation and remain committed to supporting its long-term success.”
“B.C. ticks all the boxes when it comes to spectacular landscapes, world-class crews, and outstanding creative talent that result in top tier productions like Virgin River,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our motion picture industry is key to our province’s economic success, generating more than $3.3 billion in 2022 and providing more than 47,500 full-time jobs to British Columbians. We will continue to ensure studios and production companies are aware of the advantages of filming in B.C. including competitive tax-incentives and premium services that re-affirm our brand as a destination of choice for motion picture investments.”
“Productions like Virgin River are attracted and sustained by our province’s world-class talent, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and through government commitment to supportive Creative BC activities,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC, the Province’s agency of record for creative sector economic development. “Concierge services from the BC Film Commission at Creative BC combine with our tax credit team’s timely administration of the Province’s competitive tax credits, ensuring productions find doing business in B.C. both easy and effective.”
“Headed into its seventh season, Virgin River has made history as Netflix’s longest-running English-language drama series, an accomplishment that our dedicated IATSE 891 crews take immense pride in contributing to. Productions such as these create thousands of union jobs with extensive benefits, and at the same time, enriches the cultural fabric of our creative industries in British Columbia,” said Crystal Braunwarth, Business Representative, IATSE Local 891. “Our strong partnership with Netflix means motion picture workers have the opportunity to elevate the art of storytelling through their crafts, and reinforces the esteemed reputation of our crews as world-class talent.”
“Over the course of five seasons the story of Virgin River has been brought to life by talented BC crews and stunning west coast backdrops,” said Lindsay Doyle, Director of Public Policy, Canada, Netflix. “The skills and support of the local actors, crews and businesses who are involved in the show have been essential in bringing this beloved series to our members in Canada and around the world.”
“The data released today on the impact of Virgin River demonstrates the impact just one production can have on British Columbia’s creative economy with over $44 million spent in one season alone,” said Wendy Noss, President of the Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada). “Now heading into its seventh season, Virgin River is a global hit that combines the talent and skills of Canadian creative workers while supporting local businesses across the province and showcasing beautiful B.C. locations to audiences around the world.”
MORE
- Clara George, Regional Sustainability Advisor for Netflix in Canada talks to The Credits about sustainability initiatives undertaken by the production crew on Virgin River. Read her interview here.
About the Motion Picture Association-Canada
The Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) represents the major international producers and distributors of movies, television and streaming programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA).
Through the production of long-running television series, feature films, and post-production, visual effects, and animation projects, the global studios we serve – including Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO) – make substantial investments in Canada.
On behalf of the MPA member studios, we work with governments and local industry partners to support initiatives that strengthen the film, television and streaming industry in Canada.
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