Message from the Chair

Not many among us could have predicted the dramatic changes that have unfolded in our lives so quickly over the past two weeks.  With ‘unprecedented’ as the watchword of an unexpected ‘new normal’, we’ve joined the rest of the world in putting our business and communities on hold to help stem the tide of the COVID-19 spread.

One advantage we have as an industry sector is our ability to act and adapt fairly quickly to changing conditions around our work. But our collective agility doesn’t prepare even the best of us for the consequences of a global pandemic and the multitude of impacts associated with it.

I hope that everyone has been able to safely retreat to their homes to ride this out and help prevent further spread of the virus. Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who is in the thick of this dangerous health crisis – whether it’s with family members who have fallen sick, or as one of the many brave folks working to protect us from it.  Our gratitude to our government leaders and healthcare providers especially — cannot be overstated.

At MPPIA, as a virtual industry hub, we want to share the information and resources available to us and bridge the isolation gap by keeping the lines of communication open. With our work and livelihoods at a standstill like so many others, we want to ensure that the production community is aware of all measures and supports in place to help us through this challenging time:

Creative BC COVID-19 information & resources

Provincial support & information

Provincial supports for small businesses in BC

Provincial support for landlords & tenants

Federal support for businesses & employees

I want to thank the team at Creative BC and our Provincial Government partners for quickly mobilizing to work with the MPPIA Board on information sharing. Creative BC is also tracking how COVID-19 is affecting our industry in a brief survey. Please take a few moments to participate to give us the best insight to  the economic impacts of the current situation.

As you might expect, there are many across the production community who want to help in this time of crisis. With the support of industry labour organizations, a group has mobilized an industry wide call for any existing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to donate to our local health authorities.  As you’d also expect, industry has answered the call and thousands of items have already been collected. Another call out has been made today — if you/your company/organization has PPE to contribute please contact:

Fortunately, another quality embedded in the nature of BC’s motion picture industry, is our deep sense of community and collaboration. Rallying together locally to make our way forward during a global crisis is the way we will not only survive this current situation, but also how we will contribute to the solutions when we emerge on the other side of this.  Until then, be safe, be well.

Peter Leitch, Chair

Motion Picture Production Industry Assn. of BC