Yukon's reality TV bonanza continues

The Yukon is turning out to be all the rage forfact-based and realitytelevision, with several popular shows going back into production this year.

Dr.Oakley:Yukon Vet,GoldRush andYukon Gold are set to begin filming again in the territory, and a BBC crew is also expected to film a two-part series on the Gold Rush.

"The Yukon has become hot," said Iris Merritt, of theYukon Film & Sound Commission.

She saidcompared to last year,there aregoing to be more productions heading to the Yukon.

One of the most popular Yukon-basedTV shows right now is Gold Rush. It will soon start filming its seventh season near Dawson City.

Merrittsays in 2014, the showput a million dollars into theYukon economy, and created the equivalent of 51 fulltime jobs.

She said she was recently at a trade show in London when she ran into a broadcaster asking about the Yukon.

Merritt saidshe was told,"and Iquote, 'give me anything you got about the Yukon.TheYukonis so hot right now. I've got to get a show going on there now.'

That's good news for Paul Robitaille ofthe Dawson City-based Klondike Visitors Association. He says popular TV shows have a big impact on tourism.

"The great thing is that they know that we are actively mining here in Dawson which is one of the biggest selling points to people who come and visit the area," he said.

"And increasingly, we are seeing visitors that want to see where the TV shows are filmed, and they want to see how we mine."

'Real Yukoners'

Another original gold miningshow currently airingits fourth seasonis Yukon Gold.

Produced by Canadian companyPaperney Entertainment, the factual-based reality show airs on The History Channel.

David Paperney is getting ready to produceseason five of thepopular show. He says the show's success is "real Yukoners".

"[Viewers]love the drama that goes on in a gold mine. They love the sense of independence and mindfulnessthat gold miners bring to their work."

Paperneyalso says audiences like the competition the miners have, and wondering who might hit the motherlode and become rich with gold.

Local filmmakers ride the wave

Some local filmmakers are hoping to tap into the currentinterest in Yukon.

Screen Production Yukon Association(SPYA) presidentChris McNuttsays it's become easier for Yukoners to access funding and have their productions make it to air.

McNuttsays the Yukon attracts interesting people doing interesting things, andthere is a huge appetite for that among people who don't live here.

"There has always been a history in the North of interesting people."

ManyYukonershope this trend will continue.