The Vancouver Island North Film Commission is looking for a letter of support to go ahead with filming for the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie on Highway 19 from the Cook Creek interchange to the Buckley Bay interchange. Photo Credit: Google Maps
Another movie could soon be filmed on Vancouver Island.
The Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFilm) is asking for a letter of support from the Comox Valley Regional District’s board of directors in order to have scenes from Paramount’s live-action/animation hybrid movie “Sonic the Hedgehog,” shot on Highway 19 this fall.
In a letter to Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard, mayors in the Comox Valley and Comox Valley Regional District directors, INFilm commissioner Joan Miller said the commission has been asked to provide proof of community support for the filming. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requires the support before it will approve a film permit for an upcoming feature film.
The letter states that INFilm has been meeting with Hedgehog Film’s Inc. and the ministry since mid-April. The letter also said the production is set to have a 150-person crew in the Comox Valley, which would include local hires.
“The local economic impact from this production will be significant,” Miller wrote.
Miller wrote in the letter that the feature film is called “SONIC” and if approved, the scenes would be filmed from Sept. 13 to Sep. 17 on Highway 19 from the Buckley Bay interchange south to the Cook Creek interchange, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day. One of the scenes would involve a pickup truck being chased and the driver being forced to stop on the highway.
Sept. 18 and Sept. 19 have also been requested in case there is inclement weather.
Miller also wrote that Hedgehog Films Inc. has been working diligently with local community and the ministry to minimize impacts and arrange a detour route onto Highway 19A.
We understand concerns regarding “highway closures”, and will do our very best to expedite reopening the highway, once the scenes are completed each day,” the letter reads.
The letter will be reviewed at the Comox Valley Regional District’s committee of the whole meeting on June 12 and the board will decide if they will provide a letter of support.
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is set to be released on Nov. 15, 2019.
Alexa Huffman
