Vancouver's Film Industry Struggles Post-Arrowverse And Strike: What’s Next?

How The End Of The Arrowverse And Industry Strikes Have Impacted Vancouver's Film Sector

 

Vancouver, often dubbed "Hollywood North," has been a thriving hub for film and television production, thanks to its versatile locations, skilled workforce, and attractive tax incentives. For years, the city was home to numerous high-profile shows, Supernatural and particularly those within The CW’s Arrowverse—an interconnected series of superhero TV shows like Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl that anchored Vancouver as a central production hub. However, with the conclusion of the Arrowverse and the aftershocks of recent industry strikes, Vancouver’s film industry faces unprecedented challenges. This article explores how these factors have reshaped the city’s once-booming film scene and what the future holds.

The Arrowverse: A Supercharged Era for Vancouver’s Film Industry

The Arrowverse was more than just a collection of superhero shows; it was a cornerstone of Vancouver’s film industry. Starting with Arrow in 2012, the franchise expanded to include The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and several crossover events, creating consistent work for thousands of local professionals. These shows brought significant investment to the city, employing a wide range of talent—from actors and directors to set designers and VFX artists. Vancouver’s landscape often doubled for fictional cities like Star City and Central City, showcasing the city’s flexibility as a filming location.

During its peak, the Arrowverse contributed hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Vancouver’s economy, cementing the city’s reputation as a major production center. However, all good things come to an end. As ratings declined and The CW restructured its programming strategy, the network gradually phased out the Arrowverse. The final blow came in 2024 with the cancellation of Superman And Lois, the last show of the Arrowverse lineup which ends this year on its fourth season. This marked the end of an era and left a gaping hole in Vancouver’s production calendar.

The Strike: An Unprecedented Setback

While the end of the Arrowverse had already started to affect the local industry, the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes further crippled Vancouver’s film scene. The strikes, driven by disputes over residuals, streaming rights, and AI use in content creation, brought Hollywood—and by extension, Vancouver—to a standstill. Productions across North America halted, leaving sets abandoned and thousands of workers without paychecks.

Vancouver’s film industry, still reeling from the Arrowverse’s end, faced a double whammy as both American and local productions paused indefinitely. The strikes affected not just the film crews and actors but also ancillary businesses like catering, transportation, and post-production services that rely heavily on film production activity. The economic impact was severe, with millions lost in potential revenue.

The Economic Impact on Vancouver

The combined effects of the Arrowverse’s conclusion and the strikes have been stark. A report by the Canadian Media Producers Association highlighted a notable decrease in film production spending in British Columbia for 2023. Compared to previous years, the drop in activity has affected not just major studios but also smaller production houses and independent filmmakers who relied on the busy environment created by larger projects.

Additionally, local unions and guilds reported an uptick in unemployment among industry professionals, with many facing financial uncertainty due to the prolonged pause in production. This downturn has also led to a skills drain, as some industry professionals have moved to other cities or pivoted to different careers, threatening Vancouver’s long-term standing as a top-tier production center.

The Post Covid Content Bubble

The content bubble in Vancouver that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic has deflated significantly in the years following. During lockdowns and social restrictions, demand for digital content skyrocketed as businesses shifted online, and individuals turned to streaming services, digital marketing, and content creation for entertainment and connection. This surge created a massive boom in Vancouver's content production industry, with many local creators, agencies, and businesses thriving. However, as the world has returned to normalcy and consumption patterns shifted, this content demand has cooled, leading to what many describe as the "popping" of the content bubble.

Post-pandemic, businesses have re-evaluated their content needs, scaling back investments in video production, digital marketing, and influencer partnerships. While digital engagement remains important, many brands have reverted to more traditional marketing strategies or diversified their spending across various platforms. The oversaturation of content creators and the reduced need for daily digital engagement has left many content agencies in Vancouver struggling to adapt. With increased competition and changing audience behaviors, the content boom that once fueled rapid growth in the city’s creative industries has leveled out, forcing many to rethink their approach to long-term digital strategies.

What’s Next for Vancouver’s Film Industry?

Despite these challenges, there are signs of potential recovery and adaptation. Industry stakeholders are actively seeking ways to attract new productions and revive the city’s film industry. Key strategies include lobbying for enhanced tax incentives to make Vancouver even more attractive to studios looking for cost-effective filming locations. There’s also a push to diversify the types of productions that come to Vancouver, focusing on genres beyond superhero franchises, including streaming content, independent films, and international co-productions.

Moreover, the post-strike environment presents an opportunity for the local film community to rethink its relationship with Hollywood. With the ongoing transformation in content consumption and production models—such as the rise of digital platforms and international streaming services—Vancouver can reposition itself as a flexible, innovative, and competitive production center.

To bolster local talent, there are calls to increase support for training and development programs, ensuring that Vancouver remains equipped with a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the global film industry. Efforts to foster partnerships with emerging markets, such as South Korea and India, could also open new avenues for collaboration and investment.

Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead

The end of the Arrowverse and the impact of recent industry strikes have undeniably shaken Vancouver’s film industry. However, the city’s resilience and established infrastructure provide a solid foundation for a comeback. By adapting to the changing landscape and investing in new opportunities, Vancouver has the potential to reclaim its status as a major player in the global film and television market.

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Source: Dan Lalonde

Photo Credit: DC/CW

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