SURREY - Close to 100 productions will have been filmed in the city this year, a 40-per-cent jump above 2005. Some year-end figures have been released by the city's film office.

Surrey was the site of principal film production for several major features this year, including Hot Rod, Postal and Deck the Halls, currently in theatres across North America. City of Surrey film revenues are expected to reach more than $700,000 this year, more than tripling the 2005 figure.

Mayor Dianne Watts said that the major increase in local film work "is reflective of the over-all state of the B.C. industry, but also reflective of Surrey's willingness to co-operate with the industry and its desire to provide outstanding customer service."

According to the B.C. Film Commission, production in the province last year surpassed $1.2 billion. Payroll figures show Surrey residents earned close to $15 million in film-related salaries last year.

Cloverdale's town centre was one of the major locations for Deck the Halls, a Christmas comedy featuring Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick.