Vancouver Film Studios

Vancouver Film Studios is a film production centre located in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles in North America and is operated by the McLean Group of Companies. VFS in 2006 was the recipient of a BC Export Award in the New Media and Entertainment section, and was recognized as one of the top 21 exporters in British Columbia, Canada.

History
The area of Boundary Road and Grandview Highway was first purchased by the McLean Group of Companies in the early 1980s. At the time of purchase many businesses were located there including: a gift centre, mattress factory, stonemason, commercial dry cleaner, bakery, electronics store, elevator test facility, tools wholesaler, and a cigarette company. Today Roots Canada is the only original company still located on the property.

In 1987, Northstar International Studios was purchased, marking the beginning of film production for the company. The studio has since been renamed, 'Studio D' and continues to be Vancouver Film Studio's busiest 'studio'. Between 1987 and 1995 more buildings and land were purchased and dedicated to expanding the newly formed film production centre. In 1998 Northstar International Studios was renamed Vancouver Film Studios and six sound stages and supporting space begun construction.

The first structure to be built by the company was 'Building G' in 1999 and completed by February 2000. In that time the entire production centre had 30 acre dedicated to its productions, 10 sound stages, as well as other misc buildings. In March 2000, construction of 'Building J' and 'Building C' began, both were completed by July 2001. Construction for 'Building A' began in November 2001 and opened for use in April 2002. With growing demand, two new structures, 'Building H ' and 'Building I', were ordered in December 2002 and opened in April 2003.

Studios
Vancouver Film Studios has 13 sound stages and several other buildings dedicated to offices, warehouses, mills, housing, and film-related.

Building A
A sound stage, construction ship, offices, and warehouse. Located on a 1.8 acre site with the building measuring 27840 sqft. The two sound stages, Stage A1 and Stage A2, measure 12500 sqft and 15000 sqft.

Building B
Vancouver Film Studios Ltd. purchased the building in 1997. Originally the building was used to construct elevators by the Heede Crane Company, but became dedicated to film production shortly after being purchased. In 2001, the building was renovated to become the art production offices and host two 15000 sqft sound stages. B-3 is a 4600 sqft mill and construction space.

Building C
Offices for the Vancouver Film Studios and Pacific Production Supportís with a certified heliport on the roof. The single pad is restricted to private use only and is operated by the Studio Air Group.

Building D
Building D was the beginning of Vancouver Film Studios in 1987 as the Northstart International Studio. The building is 22270 sqft and hosts offices as well as sound stages located at 3596 Cornett Road.

Building E
Acquired in 1997, the building was renovated for new offices and extra parking.

Building F
A 13500 sqft film-related housing centre on a 0.6 acre site located at 3696 Cornett Road. The building also has one sound stage and a mill space.

Building G
One of the original businesses, the Dynamex Courier warehouse, was demolished in 1999 for the construction of Building G. Its construction was completed in March 2000.

Buildings H & I
Originally a 24200 sqft building on a 1.2 acre site located at 3625 East 11th Avenue, it was demolished in 2002 and replaced with two sound stages 15000 sqft each).

Building J
Originally a Costco parking lot, it was renovated in August 2001 to create VFS' largest sound stage, at 40000 sqft.

Building K
Vancouver Film Studios' transportation building located at 2727 Boundary Road its 55000 sqft on a 2.2 acre site.

Building L
Renovated in 2001, it is a 10000 sqft mill.

Building M
Located at 3645 Grandview Highway, this 31680 sqft building is equipped with one sound stage, offices, hair and make-up, and extras hold area.

Building N
Houses the Pacific Giftcenter located at 3605 Grandview Highway and was purchased in 1985.