Vancouver Film Studios (VFS) is one of Canada’s largest and most well-known film studios. Located in Vancouver, the studio was founded in the late 1990s. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the film and television industry in Western Canada. Read on at vancouver-trend.
Originally acquired by the McLean Group of Companies around 1997, it was later rebranded as Vancouver Film Studios. Over the years, the studio has grown to become one of the largest in its field. It gained popularity for its top-notch infrastructure and its capacity to handle major Hollywood productions, including well-known TV shows and blockbuster films.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Vancouver Film Studios spans over 200,000 square feet and features 13 purpose-built sound stages for film and television projects. Each stage offers ample space, making it possible to shoot large-scale scenes with extensive sets. The studio is also equipped with production gear, post-production facilities, and dedicated spaces for editing and other stages of production. While these facilities are primarily used for filming a wide range of movies and TV shows, VFS also offers services for animation and special effects. Additionally, it boasts first-class studios for professional music and sound recording.
The studio also provides the infrastructure for producing miniseries, commercials, and documentaries. Its services are also highly sought after for developing advertising campaigns, video games, and other multimedia content.
Achievements and Industry Impact
It’s clear that Vancouver Film Studios plays a pivotal role in the growth of the film industry, both in Canada and internationally. The studio has gained immense popularity by becoming a hub for a significant number of Hollywood productions. For instance, its sound stages have been home to hit films and series like The X-Files, Supernatural, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and many others.
One of the studio’s key advantages is its strategic location in Vancouver, which allows for filming both on-site and at numerous nearby natural locations. Vancouver is renowned for its stunning landscapes—including mountains, lakes, and coastline—making the city an ideal filming destination.
Beyond its international acclaim, Vancouver Film Studios also makes a significant impact on the local economy. The organization provides steady employment for numerous specialists and technical staff while also supporting small and medium-sized businesses related to film production.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Vancouver Film Studios is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint, championing various sustainability initiatives. The studio incorporates energy-efficient technologies, including the use of solar panels to generate electricity. This helps reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions.
VFS also supports green initiatives such as waste recycling, using low-carbon materials, and powering production equipment with renewable energy sources.
Commitment to the Local Community
Vancouver Film Studios actively fosters the local film community by creating opportunities for emerging and independent filmmakers. The studio frequently hosts courses, training sessions, and workshops where industry professionals can share their experience and skills with the next generation of filmmakers. Additionally, the studio partners with local educational institutions, offering internships and career development opportunities for students.
A New Chapter in Global Film Production
In 2023, Hackman Capital Partners struck a deal to acquire Vancouver Film Studios (VFS), the powerhouse behind productions like Deadpool, The Flash, and Yellowjackets. The acquisition also included its affiliated companies, Pacific Backlot and Signal Systems. Pacific Backlot supplies lighting and production equipment, while Signal Systems provides communications services.
Jason McLean, CEO of McLean Group of Companies, stated that Vancouver Film Studios has been a cornerstone of their family business for 25 years and that he is confident HCP will “take what has been built to the next level.” He emphasized that the combination of Hackman Capital Partners’ industry expertise and the professional team at VFS creates a true “all-star team.” Despite the change in ownership, VFS will maintain its independent status and continue to collaborate with industry giants like Disney, Warner Bros., 20th Century Studios, NBC Universal, Netflix, Apple, and CBS.
Michael Hackman, founder and CEO of Hackman Capital, noted that in a rapidly growing production market, Vancouver Film Studios has a unique heritage, and he is thrilled to be its new steward. He described the studio as not only modern and technologically advanced but also home to one of the best management teams in the business. He also praised VFS for one of its core strengths: its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The studio achieved carbon neutrality back in 2008 and, in 2022, launched the Indigenous Filmmakers Bursary to support Indigenous creators in the film industry.
Hackman Capital Partners is an industry leader in film production, owning a network of 19 studio campuses across North America, the UK, and Ireland. The company operates over 145 sound stages and plans to add another 60, bringing its total footprint to over 10 million square feet.
Its portfolio includes iconic studios such as The Culver Studios, Radford Studio Center, Television City Studios, MBS Media Campus, Raleigh Studios, and Saticoy Studios in Los Angeles; Silvercup Studios and Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York; Second Line Stages in New Orleans; Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios in Ireland; and The Wharf London, Wardpark Studios, Cardington Studios, and Pyramids Studios in the UK.
The company is actively expanding its global presence by investing in new projects. Among them are Eastbrook Studios London in the UK, Greystones Media Campus in Ireland, and Basin Media Studios in Toronto.
In conclusion, there’s no doubt that Vancouver Film Studios is a vital hub for film production, not just in Canada but around the world. With its advanced infrastructure, professional team, and strong commitment to sustainability, the studio remains a leader in the industry, actively contributing to the growth of both local and international cinema.
