Launch Your Burnaby Other Motion Picture and Video Industries Venture
This page offers a practical guide to starting an NAICS 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries business in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear overview of the six requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits you’ll need to secure and the costs you should budget for. It’s a simple, step-by-step path from business registration to your first project, with a realistic timeline at every stage. You'll also get tips on avoiding common startup pitfalls and connecting with local crew pools.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the six essential requirements, the permits needed for Burnaby shoots, licensing steps, insurance basics, and a practical cost and timeline overview. We provide a checklist you can follow, including rough cost ranges for registration, licenses, equipment, and facilities, and a realistic schedule from launch to first production. It also walks you through permit durations, document checklists, and typical approval timelines.
Burnaby’s film-friendly scene and proximity to Vancouver’s crews make this a smart, cost-efficient place to grow.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This is a legal obligation you cannot bypass when creating, distributing, or displaying film and video content. Non-negotiable means you must understand and follow copyright laws to avoid infringement, protect your work, and respect others’ rights.
The second paragraph covers mandatory operational requirements focused on health, safety, and permissions. On set, you need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to keep everyone safe and to meet provincial rules for worker protection. In addition, be prepared to obtain the necessary filming-related permissions or permits depending on your locations and shoots, and maintain safe practices and required training for your crew.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to set up and maintain several government accounts. Start with a BC Business Name Registration if you’re a sole proprietor or partner, and secure a Business Number (BN) for your tax, payroll, and other filings. If your revenues reach the threshold (or you choose to), register for GST/HST. If you have employees, you’ll also handle Payroll D deductions registration as part of your tax compliance.
Next steps: begin by confirming Copyright Compliance requirements for your specific activities, then tackle the business registrations and tax accounts in Burnaby/BC. Set up your WorkSafeBC coverage, and establish a simple admin process for GST/HST and payroll as you scale. If you’d like, I can turn this into a personalized, step-by-step action plan with a practical checklist.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other motion picture and video industries 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 other motion picture and video industries:
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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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