Key Takeaways
- The global entertainment and animation industries are growing fast, with projections reaching $3.4 trillion and $563 billion respectively in the coming years.
- Vancouver is one of North America’s top creative hubs, home to 400+ productions annually and global giants like Netflix, Disney, and Lucasfilm.
- Vancouver Film School offers an accelerated, affordable, and industry-connected pathway for US students to launch creative careers in film, TV, and animation.
The entertainment and animation industries are steadily growing – and it’s not just happening in Hollywood. For aspiring filmmakers, animators, and other creative professionals, Vancouver has emerged as one of the most exciting and opportunity-rich destinations in the world. Combine that with the skyrocketing cost of education in the US, and it’s no wonder why more American students are turning to Vancouver Film School to fast-track their film and animation careers.
If you’re ready to break into the film, TV, & animation industries – and need an affordable, accelerated path to the industry – here’s why training at VFS is the smartest choice, now more than ever.
THE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT & ANIMATION INDUSTRIES ARE SURGING
The global entertainment industry is in the middle of unprecedented growth – and it's showing no signs of slowing down. According to PwC, the entertainment and media market is in the middle of a 5-year growth period, set to reach $3.4 trillion by 2028, a growth of nearly 4%.
Animation is on a similar incline. Reports estimate that this industry will reach $563 billion by 2032, a growth rate of 8.8% over 8 years, driven by a rise in demand for immersive experiences & fueled by advancements in virtual reality & augmented reality. VFX, in particular, is set to reach $47 billion by 2032 – a growth of 5.3%.
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s entertainment industry has a projected $4 billion impact for 2025, driven by factors including new studios, new funding streams for emerging & diverse creators, and most notably an increase to BC’s tax incentive for local productions.
For aspiring & established creative rebels, this industry growth translates to one thing: opportunity. And when it comes to positioning yourself at the centre of that opportunity, few places in the world offer more than Vancouver. An estimated 99,000 work in BC’s entertainment industry, meaning there’s always room for newly-trained workers.
The film & television, animation & VFX industries are growing – and Vancouver Film School is training the next wave of creative talent. MAJOR VFX STUDIOS HAVE UPPED THEIR HIRING GAME
Over the last year, several major visual effects studios have seen a significant increase in the quantity of their job postings, signaling strong hiring momentum across the industry. Industrial Light & Magic leads the pack with a 168% increase, with DNEG close behind, more than doubling its listings for a 107% rise. Scanline also saw substantial growth, increasing postings by nearly 78% year-over-year.
Even studios with smaller gains reflect a positive trend: Sony Pictures Imageworks grew its postings by 13%, while Zoic Studios rose by 42%. While these numbers reflect just a snapshot of hiring trends, they highlight an encouraging demand for creative and technical talent in the VFX and animation space.
VANCOUVER: NORTH AMERICA’S CREATIVE POWERHOUSE
Vancouver is recognized as the third-largest entertainment production centre in North America, behind only Los Angeles and New York. Its reputation as a global creative hub is backed by hard data:
- Over 45 active film studios operate in Vancouver
- Home to the largest cluster of VFX and animation studios in the world, with more than 60 studios employing thousands of artists
- Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Warner Bros., Apple, Sony, and Legendary Pictures all film major projects in Vancouver, fueling billions in production spending annually
- Around 400 productions – like The Last of Us, Deadpool, Yellowjackets, and countless animated series – are filmed each year in Vancouver
VFS is in the heart Vancouver’s entertainment industry, giving our students a front-row seat and unparalleled access to the action. Here’s what’s been happening lately in Hollywood North:
- BC’s film production tax credit increased from 28% to 36% in 2025, making Vancouver an even more ideal choice for Hollywood productions
- Industrial Light & Magic (a division of Lucasfilm) opened a 40,000-square-foot Vancouver studio just this year – the largest of its 5 studios – creating over 900 Vancouver jobs
- Through Creative BC’s Slate Development Program, 10 production companies in BC received $500,000 in funding, resulting in a boost in scripted television and feature film projects
- In late 2024, a delegation led by Screen BC traveled to Los Angeles to promote & grow BC’s film and television industry by highlighting the advantages of BC production
READY TO STRIKE WHILE THE IRON’S HOT? VFS IS THE RIGHT CHOICE!
With the entertainment and animation industries on an incline – NOW is the time to train for your industry career! Vancouver Film School offers accelerated, production-focused programs spanning Film, Animation, Game, & Creative Design that fully prepare you for the creative industries in just 1 short year.
Visit www.vfs.edu to learn more about our award-winning programs or book an appointment with a VFS Advisor to start the application process.