Launch a Motion Picture and Video Distribution Business in Richmond
This page serves as a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a motion picture and video distribution business in Richmond under NAICS 512120. It outlines the seven requirements you’ll need to meet, and walks you through the permits and registrations, expected costs, and a realistic timeline to get your operation up and running.
You’ll learn a clear overview of the seven requirements, including business registration, tax registrations, and local permits. We’ll cover essential licensing for distributing film and video, contracts with creators and venues, insurance needs, and basic compliance steps. The guide also highlights typical upfront costs and ongoing fees, plus a practical timeline with milestones to move from idea to launch.
Richmond’s growing media scene and proximity to larger film markets make it a smart place to start distributing motion pictures and videos. The city’s supportive business climate helps with clear approvals and local resources to help you grow. This page keeps you focused and confident as you navigate the seven requirements and bring your distribution business to life.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motion picture and video distribution business in Richmond is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This means you must have the legal rights to distribute every piece of content you handle—through licenses or permissions from rights holders—before you start selling, streaming, or circulating titles. Copyright compliance is non-negotiable; you cannot legally operate without proper content rights, clear licensing terms, and documented agreements.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and local permits. You’ll need a valid Richmond business licence to operate in the city, and you should ensure your workplace follows basic safety rules. If you have employees, you must secure WorkSafeBC coverage and stay on top of safety registrations. These steps protect your team and keep your business aligned with local expectations; plan for renewals, reporting, and safety procedures as you grow.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the above, you’ll set up key business identifiers. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership. If your revenue crosses the threshold, register for GST/HST; if you hire staff, set up payroll deductions. Keeping these accounts in good standing will simplify invoicing, taxes, and regulatory reporting.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by confirming your content rights and licensing agreements, then tackle registrations in order: municipal licence, WorkSafeBC, BC Business Name Registration, BN, GST/HST, and payroll. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, Richmond-specific checklist and point you to the right local resources. You’re on the right track—taking these steps now will help you move forward confidently and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motion picture and video distribution in Richmond:
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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 Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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