Launch a Surrey Other Motion Picture and Video Industries Business
This page gives you a clear blueprint to start an Other Motion Picture and Video Industries business in Surrey. You’ll find a practical, seven-step plan that covers permits, licensing, startup costs, and a realistic timeline from incorporation to your first shoot. Written to be friendly and actionable, it shows you exactly what you need to meet the requirements for a compliant, production-ready operation in BC (NAICS 512199).
What you’ll learn includes the exact steps to get going in Surrey and BC: register your company, obtain a GST/HST number, and secure a municipal Surrey business license for film work; obtain film permits for location shoots; arrange location releases; and meet safety requirements with WorkSafeBC. We outline the seven essential requirements, typical startup costs (licensing, insurance, equipment, and studio space), and a practical timeline from incorporation to your first production.
Why Surrey? It’s a growing film hub with diverse locations, approachable crews, and costs that are friendlier than bigger markets—while still keeping you close to Vancouver’s industry. That mix makes Surrey a smart, practical launchpad for building a thriving motion picture and video production business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motion picture and video production business in Surrey is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This is a legal requirement and you cannot operate without it. Copyright compliance means securing the rights to any third‑party content you use—music, footage, images, or branded material—and obtaining the proper licenses to avoid infringement. This requirement is non-negotiable and foundations every project you produce.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. Group related needs together: you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your crew to meet workplace safety rules; a local Surrey business licence to operate legally in the city; and BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership. Keeping safety measures in place and securing the proper permits helps prevent delays and fines and keeps your team protected.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need a federal Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and payroll. If your revenue meets the threshold (or you opt in early), register for GST/HST; set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees; and register your BC Business Name if you’re not operating under your legal name (sole proprietorship/partnership). These registrations streamline reporting, payments, and compliance across federal and provincial authorities.
Encouragement: Take the next steps by confirming copyright licenses with rights holders, then tackle licensing, safety, and permits in parallel. Set up your BN with the CRA, decide on GST/HST needs, and plan payroll if you’ll hire staff. If you’d like, I can help you turn this into a practical, step-by-step checklist with timelines tailored to your Surrey project. You’re on a solid path—just tackle one registration at a time.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other motion picture and video industries in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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