Ladysmith stood in for key scenes in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' which is due for a 2020 release, part of a purple patch for the small town and its role in Hollywood productions. (Reddit/clearcircle)

By Alex Rawnsley

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION

Major film and TV productions choosing more Vancouver Island locations

Jan 8, 2020 | 1:50 PM

NANAIMO — Banner years for the Vancouver Island film industry is having ripple effects for communities on the mid-Island.

The town of Ladysmith has seen massive boost in interest from producers, highlighted by its starring role in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ in 2018.

The movie is due out in February 2020.

Joan Miller from the Vancouver Island North Film Commission said accessible locations like Ladysmith allow for major motion pictures to check off a lot of items on a long to-do list.

“The more services a community or region can provide, is better for a production,” Miller said. “They don’t want to have to transport things from Vancouver so if they can acquire them locally.”

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Impacts from a production go well beyond hotels and food for crew. Fandom for major characters and storylines like ‘Sonic’ drive tourism for years on end.

“People travel and make decisions based on something they’ve seen on a screen,” Miller said. “They’ll travel for the most diverse reasons, everything from a beautiful vista to an incredible storyline.”

Miller highlighted the tourism successes in Hope, where thousands still visit based on “Rambo: First Blood’, released in 1982.

In the aftermath of ‘Sonic’, Ladysmith will play host to a new TV series called ‘Resident Alien’ in January and March.

“Having a television series coming is a huge advantage when we’re talking about growth,” Miller said. “If a TV series gets picked up, it comes back year after year so it’s not just the big initial bang like a Sonic the Hedgehog be with its global reach.”

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley