Betty Cooper’s ponytail is “iconic and beyond reproach,” to quote a recent Riverdale episode – and also a massive boost to B.C.’s film economy.
According to an impact study released Wednesday, the CW’s breakout teen drama Riverdale has brought more than $60 million in spending and created more than 1,000 jobs in B.C. over two seasons of production.
“Riverdale’s impact study demonstrates how the motion picture industry provides well paying, family supporting jobs that make life better for British Columbians,” said Min. Lisa Beare, who oversees B.C. tourism, arts and culture. “The breadth of economic impact this industry provides supports a strong and sustainable economy.”
Rocko’s Family Diner in Mission doubles for Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe on Riverdale.
The report, conducted by accounting firm MNP LLP, looked at the numbers behind the first season of the gritty Archie Comics reboot and notes that the show’s first season created 1,041 jobs and spent more than $22.4 million in B.C. Of that amount, 75 per cent went to production crew and labour, while the remaining quarter went to B.C. goods and services.
The show’s second season premiered earlier this fall with production currently underway.
Filming has taken place in 31 communities across B.C., with Vancouver’s Strathcona and New Westminster serving as the neighbourhoods where Archie Andrews and Better Cooper (played by K.J. Apa and Lili Reinhart) live. Lord Byng, Point Grey and John Oliver secondary schools all take turns as Riverdale High, home of the Bulldogs, while nearby Alouette Lake stars as Sweetwater River.
K.J. Apa stars as Archie Andrews on the CW’s Riverdale.
Outside Vancouver, filming has also taken place in Maple Ridge, Mission, Burnaby and Langley where Gabby’s Country Cabaret stands in for Riverdale’s White Wyrm, the hangout of choice for Riverdale’s Southside Serpents.
“More than 600 of our professional artists and technicians are thrilled to see their work on Riverdale hit the screen,” said Phil Klapwyk, spokesman for IATSE 891. The union represents more than 7,500 artists and technicians who work in film and television in B.C.
“Productions like this prove that great jobs for average British Columbians are a crucial part of the creative economy.”
Riverdale is a darker and more charged version of the classic comic starring a red-headed Archie Andrews. The show airs on the CW every Wednesday, with new episodes hitting Netflix each Thursday.
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