A new analysis released Wednesday reveals that the runaway hit teen soap "Riverdale" has spent over $60 million in production and created more than 1,000 jobs in British Columbia.
The report, done by by Canada’s MNP LLP, takes a look at the spending on the first season of the modern Archie comics drama to assess the economic impact of the show's first two seasons.
Photo: Netflix
For fans of "Riverdale" in B.C., many of the locations used are familiar; it's no wonder: they've shot in 31 communities across B.C.
Familiar sights include neighbourhoods in New Westminster and Strathcona, and Riverdale High has been a melange of Lord Byng, Point Grey, and John Oliver Secondary Schools. The series' infamous Sweetwater River is actually Alouette Lake.
Overall, the report says $60.4 million was spent in B.C. for production; the show's first season alone created 1,041 jobs, with total spending in the province of over $22.4 million. "B.C. production crew and other labour received 75% of the total B.C. expenditure, while the remaining 25% was spent on purchases of B.C. goods and services," notes a release.
"'Riverdale'’s impact study demonstrates how the motion picture industry provides well paying, family supporting jobs that make life better for British Columbians," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture.
"The breadth of economic impact this industry provides supports a strong and sustainable economy."
"Riverdale" is currently airing second season episodes on the CW network and on Netflix.
