May 13, 2026
If you have been keeping up with the hit TV show Tracker, you might have noticed the rugged, evergreen backdrops of British Columbia serving as the perfect setting for Colter Shaw’s adventures. But things are about to look a lot more like Hollywood.
In a move that has sent ripples through the Canadian film industry, the production is packing up its gear and heading south to Los Angeles for its fourth season. This isn't just a change of scenery for the actors; it’s a significant economic shift that highlights the fierce competition for "runaway productions" and the taxpayer-funded incentives used to keep them here.
The lure of the California sunshine — and record tax credits
The decision for Tracker to leave BC was driven by a massive US$48 million (C$65.7 million) tax credit from the California Film Commission — the largest incentive doled out by the state so far this year. This is part of a broader trend where jurisdictions are constantly outbidding one another to host big-budget projects.
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BC has long been known as "Hollywood North," but the competition is heating up. According to reporting from Global News (1), the move is a material blow to the local economy. The show, which contributed heavily to the $3.1 billion the film sector brought to BC in 2024, provided steady, high-paying jobs for hundreds of local workers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been vocal about winning back such high-profile productions. Following the expansion of California’s tax credit program to $750 million annually, Newsom stated: "We’re making it easier and more affordable for productions to choose California, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs and the small businesses that depend on them."
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The fiscal debate over film incentives
The departure of a major production like Tracker brings renewed scrutiny to how provincial tax dollars are utilized to attract foreign investment. British Columbia employs a basic production services tax credit — a refundable credit designed to lower the bottom line for both domestic and foreign studios.
While these incentives are credited with supporting thousands of local jobs for crews, caterers, and transport companies, they also represent a significant reduction in potential tax revenue from global entertainment corporations.
Economists remain divided on the true "multiplier effect" of these subsidies. While proponents argue that the local spending by film crews provides a net gain for the province, critics suggest the cost per job created can be steep. When a production leaves, the regional infrastructure built to support it, from specialized equipment rentals to local hospitality businesses, can face a sudden and significant "anchor tenant" vacancy.
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Navigating labour volatility in the creative sector
The "runaway production" phenomenon highlights the inherent instability of the gig-based film economy. For the thousands of British Columbians employed in the creative sector, the mobility of these projects necessitates a specific approach to career and financial stability:
- Extended liquidity buffers: Because the industry is sensitive to annual tax credit renewals and shifting studio priorities, many workers maintain six to nine months of emergency savings to weather the gaps between productions.
- Skill portability: Professional resilience in this sector often depends on the transferability of technical skills. Expertise in logistics, set construction, or digital post-production can often be pivoted toward more stable sectors like civil construction or corporate technology.
- Budgetary vigilance: Since provincial budgets dictate the competitiveness of film tax credits, industry professionals often treat legislative announcements as early warning signs for potential shifts in production volume.
The broader economic outlook for Canada
The exit of Tracker serves as a case study in the challenges of maintaining a stable domestic film industry. While B.C. remains a premier global hub, the intensifying "race to the bottom" on tax incentives makes it increasingly difficult to secure long-term commitments from major studios.
Ultimately, this move illustrates that the film industry is uniquely mobile. As jurisdictions like California increase their bidding power, Canada faces a critical question regarding economic development: is the current incentive model creating a sustainable industry, or is the province effectively "renting" jobs that remain subject to recall whenever a more lucrative financial deal appears elsewhere?
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
