Kamloops is no stranger to cameras. Long before Hollywood stars like Pedro Pascal or Chris Pratt were spotted in the interior, the region was quietly laying the foundation to become one of British Columbia’s most active filming destinations. In the early days, film crews passing through the interior often saw Kamloops as little more than a convenient backdrop, useful, but not essential, yet. What changed over time was the industry’s appetite for landscapes that could double for almost anything: the Midwest, desert plateaus, dense forests, or small town Americana. While major cities in B.C. were already booming, the interior’s blend of rugged geography and accessible infrastructure made it a kind of hidden gem waiting to be fully realized by location scouts.
According to Thompson-Nicola Film Commissioner Terri Hadwin, the Kamloops modern screen identity dates back roughly 20 years. While productions had travelled through the region before, major early-2000s films such as An Unfinished Life (2005) and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005) helped put this corner of the province on the radar. Blockbusters like The Pledge (2001), starring Jack Nicholson, and Firewall (2006), starring Harrison Ford, were really what got the cameras rolling in Kamloops.
“That’s when things really kicked off, those were some of the catalysts that got us noticed,” Hadwin said. “We offer landscapes you just won’t find near the metropolis of Vancouver.”
Within roughly an hour’s drive, crews can access everything from sagebrush hills to forested mountains and river canyons. Along with our regional airport, travel becomes simple, and the city becomes an appealing package for production companies. Though when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there was an unexpected turning point.
As productions searched for lower-density, more spacious locations, Kamloops rose to the surface. Crews could work with fewer interruptions while still remaining within driving distance of Vancouver. That momentum never fully faded, even after restrictions were lifted. Instead, it created a pipeline that local advocates worked hard to sustain.
One of the larger developments was the creation of Thompson-Nicola Film Commission’s programs and partnerships, which helped connect visiting productions with local vendors, talent, and locations. These efforts showcased an important truth: Kamloops isn’t just visually appealing, it’s logically feasible. Crews have access to hotels, food, and transportation without relying on pricey ferries.
Producing movies in B.C. creates more than just headlines. Local business owners often feel the ripple effects of Hollywood’s arrival in Kamloops. Restaurants, equipment suppliers, tradespeople, and even those a bit out of town who own rural property all benefit when productions arrive.
These benefits also extend to the people behind businesses. When productions come to town, they often hire local carpenters, drivers, medics, caterers, and security personnel. Such roles provide stable, well-paid work during filming windows. For many, that means developing new skills and making industry connections that can often become a pathway into ongoing film-related opportunities, deepening the local talent pool and reinforcing Kamloops’ reputation as a reliable, film-friendly community.
A single project can inject tens of thousands of dollars into our local economy within a matter of days, which also stretches into the smaller surrounding communities.
“There was a production here [in late October]. They were here for five days, and they brought a crew of well over a hundred. All that crew needs to stay in hotel rooms, and that’s not including those who are locally hired to assist with production. So that leads to creating jobs,” Hadwin said.
The growth Kamloops is experiencing could help create lasting careers for those interested in film. Due to a lack of opportunities, many students may leave the area for Vancouver or Toronto. Expanding the local ecosystem through crew training, equipment rental houses, and post-production resources allows the community to hold onto emerging talent rather than export it. In the past year, Canadians have been wanting to “buy local” and boost Canadian talent in a stretch to not only combat the buffoonery of President Trump but also help find our identity.
Indigenous narratives and partnerships have become increasingly important in shaping the region’s film identity. The surrounding Secwepemc territory provides cultural context and stories that can only be told here, offering opportunities for authentic collaboration and representation. Productions have begun consulting communities more intentionally, something local advocates hope continues.
The future of Kamloops as a film hub will depend on thoughtful cooperation among government, industry, and community groups. Incentives and funding programs will continue to play a role, but so will grassroots enthusiasm. Residents know their landscape is special, and hopefully the rest of the world will learn too.
As more productions arrive, the challenge will be to keep the balance, supporting artistic growth while maintaining the character of the place that drew filmmakers here in the first place. If done right, Kamloops could evolve from a convenient stand-in to a filmmaking destination recognized for its own identity: one that is defined not only by scenery, but by community, culture, and opportunity.