IN THE KNOW:
Nanaimo is Ready for its Close-up
Downtown Nanaimo has been transformed into a post-apocalyptic hellscape for the filming of the popular HBO series The Last of Us. Fans of the series (rated a whopping 96 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes) gathered just outside the set’s barricades for a chance to glimpse the action and actors.
The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams as they roam a world filled with zombies and a fascist military government that won’t hesitate to execute civilians who step out of line. The first season was filmed in Alberta, while the second season is being shot in B.C. It’s the first HBO series based on a video game
Filmmaking is becoming big business in Greater Victoria and the Island. The budget for a film or TV show shot here ranges from $1 million to $10 million. Production companies shoot some 40 local projects a year – from TV series and feature films to music videos and commercials. The result: $60 million in direct spending.
But the effects of this business are wide-ranging. Every dollar production companies spend benefits local crews, including those involved in catering, construction, hospitality, security, vehicle rentals and traffic control.
Film and TV’s effect on tourism, one of the region’s key sectors, is another example. Nanaimo’s downtown stores, restaurants and cafés report booming business from locals and visitors alike. Says screenwriter Mark-Leiren-Young, When you get a location in TV and film, you can sell off it.”
FROM THE CURRENT ISSUE OF DOUGLAS:
Hot Yoga is Hot
What is it about sweaty, 40 C yoga that makes people feel revitalized?
Hot yoga is a more intense yoga performed in a room heated above normal room temperature, anywhere between 26 C to 40 C, often with 40-per-cent humidity. It uses the concept of heat and exertion to release toxins through sweat. The postures – asanas –and sequences can vary from class to class, depending on the instructor.
That may sound sweltering, but the practice is loaded with benefits. The moist heat in hot yoga “warms up” and loosens muscles. The movements are active stretches, which increase flexibility and strength. Taking regular, deep breaths allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream and increases lung capacity, which tends to decrease with age. One recent study found that hot yoga caused significant improvements in healthy older adults’ flexibility, and improvements in strength and balance.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Coming up:
MAY
May 23: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce May Business Mixer
May 27-28: Agile Open Canada Technology Un-conference
May 30: Principle for Responsible Management Education Biennial Meeting
JUNE
June 1: Principles for Responsible Management Education Chapter North America Biennial Meeting
Jine 1-9 Ocean Week Victoria oceanweekvictoria.ca
June 5: eWomenNetwork’s Success Summit 2024
June 6: Leading to Election – Lunch with Kevin Falcon Events
June 11-13: Local Government Management Association Conference
June 12: DVBA Annual General Meeting
June 13: City of Victoria – Let’s Talk (Official Community Plan)
June 19: AI Fundamentals for Business camptech.ca/workshops
June 28: Business Leaders Luncheon: BC Hydro CEO, Chris O’Riley
https://www.victoriachamber.ca/upcoming-events.html
