How to Survive as an Indie Filmmaker in Vancouver

Low-budget brilliance, bizarre workarounds and sneaky tricks from Geoff Manton, co-founder of the community-building nonprofit Filmable and local production company Boldly.

Tips for stretching a shoestring budget without snapping?

It’s all about your collaborators. When your team believes in you and your vision, they’ll show up—budget or no budget. Great vendors and resources are abundant here, but a passionate team opens doors.

Top location for filming without permits or angry neighbours?

Always try to get permits—the city is genuinely helpful (plus, flashing that permit to a nosy neighbour is deeply satisfying). If not possible, respect is everything. Keep noise and disruption minimal, anticipate concerns and always leave locations better than you found them—no burning bridges!

Strangest DIY workaround  on set?

I’ve subbed in for missing actors (no Juilliard training, but I can deliver!); built a DIY haze machine with plastic tubes, fans and prayers; and backed up a towable generator trailer  publicly—zigzagging included, but mission accomplished!

Three secret weapons that should be in every indie filmmaker’s gear bag?

Interpersonal essentials: learn everyone’s name, be genuinely helpful and do the unglamorous tasks (yes, even garbage pickup). Bonus: a well-timed Mott’s Fruitsations snack pack—unsponsored, but highly recommended.

Casting on a pizza-and-IMDb-credits budget?

Pizza helps, IMDb credits are great, but clear communication, honest intentions and compelling roles are what truly attract talented actors. They need to feel safe and creatively respected, even on micro-budgets.

Best place for Vancouver networking without the cringe?

Filmmaking is all about trusted collaborations—but building those relationships can be tough in Vancouver. Filmable bridges that gap with casual networking events, mentorship workshops and industry panels, connecting filmmakers to grow a strong community.

READ MORE: Local Filmmakers Get World Premieres at 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival 

Great local resources for first-time filmmakers?

Creative BC’s “Creative Pathways,” GEMS for mentorship, CMPA’s producer program, Pacific Screenwriting Program, and the Run N Gun fest—each a fantastic gateway to building your network.

One essential non-film-related survival skill for a Vancouver indie filmmaker?

Two essentials: gentle persistence and secure collaboration. Stay top-of-mind by gently but consistently showing up—at events, coffee dates, volunteering—and always aim to be helpful. And when collaborating, be the person you’d want to work with: a supportive listener who respects creative vision

READ MORE: How Hallmark Movies Get Made

Lightning Round Pet Peeves

• Overused location? Queens Avenue in New West. Beautiful, yes. Neighbours exhausted? Absolutely.

• Worst filmmaking cliché? Wistful characters emoting in misty Pacific Northwest forests. It’s very us—but let’s diversify.

• Indie buzzword to ban forever? “Festival darling”—can’t we aim for “commercial and critical success darling”?

• Finish the sentence: “You know you’re a Vancouver indie filmmaker when…” You’ve shot overnight at Riverview and faced that spooky hallway bathroom walk alone. Character-building stuff.