Building the Future of Storytelling in B.C.

Key Points:

What makes British Columbia a leading destination for global studios like Industrial Light & Magic?
British Columbia combines a long-standing film production legacy, advanced digital capabilities and a supportive business environment to attract and grow world-class creative technology companies.

• Over four decades of film production experience, combined with one of the world’s largest clusters of VFX, animation and post-production—much of it concentrated in Vancouver—positions B.C. as a globally trusted hub for screen-based media
• A strong value proposition driven by top-tier talent, integrated production infrastructure and competitive incentives such as the DAVE and Production Services Tax Credits supports cost efficiency and long-term investment
• Proven success stories like Industrial Light & Magic—now operating its largest global studio in Vancouver—highlight the province’s ability to scale companies through talent development, innovation and sustained industry collaboration

 

British Columbia (B.C.) has established itself as a dynamic, innovation-driven economy supported by a strong technology sector. Advances in software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure are complemented by the province’s position as Canada’s leading creative content production hub.

A thriving ecosystem spanning film, television, visual effects (VFX), animation, gaming and post-production places B.C. at the forefront of the global creative economy. Backed by over four decades of hands-on film commission service, the province has earned an international reputation for excellence and innovation in screen-based media production, becoming a trusted partner for global productions. This legacy has helped build one of the world’s largest clusters of animation, VFX, post-production and emerging virtual production capabilities—more than half of which are concentrated in Vancouver. As North America’s fastest-growing digital media and entertainment hub, Metro Vancouver anchors this dynamic ecosystem, supported by deep technical expertise and a highly integrated production environment that enables end-to-end capabilities within a single jurisdiction.

At the centre of this ecosystem, Vancouver has emerged as a globally recognized hub for creative technology. The city brings together a deep concentration of technical expertise alongside a robust network of VFX, animation and post-production studios. This convergence of innovation, creativity and specialized talent has made Vancouver a destination for leading global entertainment and technology companies.

For Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Vancouver represented more than a production location. It offered an environment where cutting-edge technology, creative collaboration and long-term growth could thrive together, ultimately leading the company to establish and expand its studio in the city.

ILM’s Growth in Vancouver

Founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas in the mid-1970s, Industrial Light & Magic has become a global leader in visual effects and immersive storytelling. Headquartered in San Francisco, ILM operates major studios in Vancouver, London, Sydney and Mumbai. With one of the industry’s most advanced digital production pipelines, the company combines creative ingenuity with technical excellence to bring ambitious stories to life across film, television and immersive platforms, including virtual reality.

ILM Vancouver has grown from a small experimental satellite studio with fewer than 100 employees into the company’s largest global location, surpassing 1,000 employees in 2025. Today, the studio serves as a major creative engine behind visual effects and animation for some of the world’s most recognized franchises, including Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Jurassic World. Its work has contributed to award-winning and nominated productions across major global platforms, reinforcing Vancouver’s reputation as a centre for high-end digital production.

The studio’s impact is further reflected in its consistent recognition at the highest levels of the industry. In 2026, ILM contributed to all five final nominees for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, as well as every film shortlisted in the category. More than 20 Vancouver-based employees have received individual recognition through Visual Effects Society (VES), BAFTA, Emmy and Academy Award nominations and wins, highlighting the global influence of the studio’s local talent.

In 2025, ILM strengthened its long-term presence in B.C. with its move to The Stack, Vancouver’s tallest downtown office tower and a landmark zero-carbon, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building. The move underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and continued investment in the province’s creative technology ecosystem.

Why Vancouver Continues to Attract Global Studios

Vancouver offers a combination of world-class talent, exceptional quality of life and the infrastructure needed to support complex, large-scale productions. British Columbia’s stable and competitive policy environment, supported by programs such as the Digital Animation, Visual Effects and Post-Production (DAVE) tax credit and the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), further reinforces the province’s position as a global destination for high-end content creation.

For ILM, this consistency provides the confidence to make long-term investments in people, technology and facilities. The province’s collaborative business environment and deep industry expertise continue to support sustained growth while contributing meaningfully to the broader economy and creative sector.

British Columbia has also built decades of experience at the intersection of art and technology, earning international recognition in motion picture production, visual effects, animation and interactive game development. This foundation has enabled the creation of award-winning content and the advancement of market-leading technologies, reinforcing B.C.’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class production.

Investing in Talent and the Future

ILM Vancouver’s commitment to talent development is central to its long-term presence in British Columbia. Through initiatives such as its signature Jedi Academy, the studio creates direct pathways for emerging talent by connecting recent graduates with mentorship from world-renowned supervisors and equipping them with the specialized skills needed to succeed in the industry. This hands-on approach strengthens a sustainable pipeline of next-generation artists within the province.

Beyond internal programs, ILM contributes to the broader ecosystem through partnerships with organizations such as DigiBC, supported by the provincial government. Together, they advance creative education strategies focused on work-integrated learning and targeted skills development, helping ensure the workforce remains at the leading edge of innovation.

Through continuous training and upskilling, ILM is helping cultivate deep technical expertise while supporting long-term, high-value careers in B.C. This collaborative approach reflects a growth model built on strong partnerships between industry, educational institutions and government.

A Long-Term Commitment to British Columbia

With world-class facilities, specialized talent and a proven track record of delivering for global audiences, British Columbia continues to set a high standard for excellence in the creative industries. For ILM, the province represents more than a strategic location; it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.

As global demand for digital content and immersive storytelling continues to expand, B.C. remains well positioned to support the next generation of creative technology companies. Its combination of talent, infrastructure and industry collaboration creates an environment where companies can scale, innovate and compete globally.

Building on this momentum, Trade and Invest BC continues to support investment in digital media and creative technology by connecting companies with the expertise, networks and opportunities needed to grow in B.C.’s dynamic creative economy.

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