Number of movies and TV shows filmed in Surrey on the rise - Action News
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British Columbia

Number of movies and TV shows filmed in Surrey on the rise

A movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is the latest production in the Surrey community of Cloverdale.

Why We're Killing Gunther starring Arnold Schwarzenegger the latest movie filmed in Cloverdale this year

Toronto's film industry employs over 26,000 people and brings in over $1 billion in revenue (CBC News)

Think of Vancouver film locationsand some places will instantly come to mind: Robson Street. UBC and SFU. The Steveston waterfront in Richmond.

But a small stretch of a community in Surrey is increasinglymaking its mark.

Eight productions have been shot along 176thStreet in Cloverdale this year. The latest, WhyWe're Killing Gunther, starsArnold Schwarzeneggerand is being filmed in the community's historic district this week.

It's part of the overall film boom in Surreyas the city experiences a busy year for productions.

"In 2015 we issued 97 film permits and in 2016, year to date, we have issued 120 film permits," said Surrey film liaison James Monk.

However, he says the majority of shoots in Surrey are typically for the small screen.

Allan Paplinski with Urban Safari Vintage Store says fans will occasionally set up lawn chairs and try to catch a glimpse of a famous actor. (Jesse Johnston/CBC)

"Fifty per cent of the productions that do film in Surrey are TV series, and another20 per cent would be commercials," he says.

"We do get a few feature films that go to Surrey ... but when they do, it's a bigger impact, because they're doing a lot."

Allan Paplinski runs Urban Safari Vintage Store, next door to where the new Schwarzenegger movie is being filmed.

While there are always complaints about parking issues and road closures when film shoots go on for several days, Paplinski says that, most of the time, it'sa small price to pay to boost the brand of the neighbourhood.

Surrey film liaison James Monk says there has already been more filming in Surrey this year than there was in all of 2015. (Jesse Johnston/CBC)

Not to mention crew members becoming loyal customers.

"The longer the ponytail or the beard, the better chance they'll be digging through the bins here. So it's worked out for us that way."

With files from Jesse Johnston