Leo Awards - Information

Information

The British Columbia film and television industry provides more than 15,000 jobs and generates more than $1 billion (Canadian) in economic activity, making the industry an integral one to the economic and social vitality of British Columbia. The Leos were established to provide support and recognition for the work of film and television producers, writers, directors, performers and others.

In 2005 the Leo Awards Film Festival was added to the event as a means of showcasing the best in film and television production honored at the festival. However, due to limited financial resources, the Film Festival was cancelled in 2010. The Leo Awards Red Carpet was also added in 2005 and continues to be the largest red carpet event in Western Canada attracting the glitterati of the BC film and television industry, including stars and celebrities from US-based productions.

Any program is eligible which qualifies as a Canadian television production pursuant to the rules of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO) or British Columbia Film. Programs may also qualify if they are an international treaty co-production or an inter-provincial co-production and include a British Columbia co-producer. Additionally, according to the award rules:

It must be demonstrated that the directing mind and control of the creative and financial aspects of the Program rest with British Columbia based individuals, defined as someone who is a Canadian citizen or has permanent residence status, and has maintained a residence in British Columbia for the 12 months preceding commencement of principal photography of the Program entered for adjudication.