VANCOUVER — New data released Thursday from the Motion Picture Association – Canada says Paramount Picture’s live-action adventure comedy Sonic the Hedgehog, released this past weekend, contributed more than $37.5 million to the British Columbia economy.
In just 53 days of filming, the movie production spent more than $22 million supporting local labour and created more than 1,450 jobs for local cast and crew, according to the news release.
In addition, the movie also benefited hundreds of community businesses with more than $15.5 million spent on production-related goods and services, including:
- $490,000 on catering, baked goods and food items
- $1.6 million on hotels and accommodations
- $350,000 on hardware and lumber supplies
- $300,000 on wardrobe purchases
Based on the Sega videogame franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. B.C. audiences may recognize filming locations such as Shelter Point Distillery in Campbell River, The Diplomat Motel in Nanaimo, Stawamus Chief Park in Squamish, Camp Howdy in Belcarra, and a highway chase scene at the Cook Creek Interchange on Vancouver Island.
“The data released today demonstrates the significant impact just one feature film can have on the local economy,” said Wendy Noss, president of MPA-Canada, in the news release. “Sonic the Hedgehog created local jobs for almost 1,500 British Columbians whose talented work behind the scenes will be showcased on the big screen.”
