While the title character of Deadpool is known for his racy wisecracks, the economic impact of the US$58-million film is no joke, according to data from Canada’s Motion Picture Association (MPA).
In a report released Friday (February 12), the same day of the Deadpool’s North American debut, the MPA estimated the ultra-violent superhero film spent C$40 million of its budget in B.C. alone.
Meanwhile, the production employed 2,000 local cast, crew and extras throughout its two-month shoot last spring. Those workers brought home total wages of C$19 million — or a weekly average of about C$1,190.
“It really shows the confidence that especially the industry in Los Angeles has in our crews and infrastructure here,” Creative BC CEO Prem Gill told Business In Vancouver.
Creative BC, the government agency mandated with promoting B.C.’s entertainment sectors, is often the first point of contact for U.S. film productions looking to tap into local talent and locations, according to Gill.
While the weakened Canadian dollar is a good added incentive for U.S. productions to film in B.C., Gill said those movies wouldn’t set up shop north of the border if the talent here wasn’t already top-notch.
“There’s talk about Deadpool 2 and I hope they come back.”
The production also gave a boost to workers outside the film industry.
The MPA said about C$1 million was spent on location costs, C$815,000 on hotels, catering and restaurants, $735,000 on construction and C$780,000 on transportation and car rentals.
Deadpool also reached out to local VFX house Engine Digital Design for post-production work.
