How to Launch Motion Picture and Video Distribution in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, starter-friendly guide to launching a Motion Picture and Video Distribution (NAICS 512120) business right in Burnaby. It provides a clear overview of the six key requirements, plus what permits you might need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to launch. Designed for Canadian entrepreneurs, it also highlights local resources and next steps.
We’ll walk you through the six requirements in plain language: registering your business, getting a Canada Revenue Agency business number and tax registrations (GST/HST), securing municipal permits or approvals if needed, arranging essential insurance (liability, errors and omissions), setting up content rights and distribution contracts, and creating a simple budget with milestones. You’ll also see estimated startup and ongoing costs—licensing, software, distribution fees, and insurance—and a practical path to a realistic first-market timeline.
Burnaby combines affordability with proximity to Vancouver’s film network, access to talented crews, and a supportive business climate—making it a smart, scalable base for distributing films and video. The city’s growing media scene, local accelerators, and access to studios and post facilities can help you move faster from concept to release.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This is a legal must—you cannot distribute motion pictures or videos without securing the rights or licenses from the rights holders and following their terms. Keep records of every license and permissions you obtain. Copyright compliance is non-negotiable; without it you face serious legal action and penalties.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. In BC, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is required to protect workers and meet provincial rules. If you hire staff or contractors, implement safety programs and training and maintain proper records. Also check whether any local permits apply to your distribution activities; having the right permits in place helps keep operations smooth and compliant.
Business registration and tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the federal government, and BC registrations for your business name if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership. For GST/HST, register when you meet the threshold or as required. If you have employees, arrange payroll deductions registration to handle income tax and benefits. These registrations keep you compliant and make invoicing and tax remittances straightforward.
Next steps: map out your licensing plan, secure the necessary registrations, and gather the required documents. Start with copyright licensing, then move to BN and BC name registration, followed by GST/HST and payroll setup. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple check-list and timeline to get your Burnaby distribution business compliant and ready to grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motion picture and video distribution in Burnaby:
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Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) RequiredMedia production and entertainment businesses must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses, and may need to register with copyright collectives (SOCAN, Re:Sound). Copyright Act compliance for media and entertainment. Licensing agreements. SOCAN, Re:Sound royalties. Digital rights management. Fair dealing. Contact Copyright Board: 613-952-8621.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your motion picture and video distribution:
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The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
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The Lunenburg Foundation for the Arts provides grants for both emerging and established artists working across the full range of artistic media, as well as arts-based organizations. Grants are awarded based on artistic merit, financial need, and benefit to the arts in Lunenburg County. A jury chair is appointed by …
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The Trail & District Arts Council disburses $1,000 annually to performance, literary, or visual artists under 18 years of age towards arts training and development. The amount awarded to each applicant varies depending on the number of applicants and amounts requested. Training must take place within 12 months after the …
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The Town of Rosetown provides information and access to numerous cultural, sports, and recreation funding opportunities for individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Available funding sources include the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant, Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) Community Vitality Program, Creative Kids, Saskatchewan Arts Board grants, and the Rosetown & District …
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The Share and Connect: Indigenous Community Arts program seeks to empower Indigenous communities to control and develop their own arts and culture. It is a SK Arts program supported by funding from Sask Lotteries through the partnership between SK Arts and SaskCulture Inc. The program has two annual deadlines (January …
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