First Published: North Shore News January10, 2000
TV Series Helps Britannia Beach
HOPE Island
lived up to its name recently when producers of the family TV series rallied support to revitalize a barren playing field for the community of Britannia Beach.
Lions Gate Television, the North American distributors of the one-hour drama series were so impressed with the charm and community of their shooting location that they wanted to give something back to the community that welcomed them, says series publicist Leri Davies.
After six months of shooting, with almost 21 episodes in the can, the producers of Hope Island have not only given the town a financial boost, but they have financed and rebuilt a local community park that was destroyed by a flood several years ago.
"We wanted to give something back to the residents of Britannia Beach," says producer Jonathan Goodwill. "This community has been so supportive of the series, with many of the locals appearing as ongoing extras or assisting with the production in other capacities. Creating this park is our way of thanking the community for taking us into their hearts and being such an important part of Hope Island."
After the treacherous flood, the park's playing field was covered in contaminated soil and debris. Revitalizing the area was financially out of the question for the small community of about 300 residents.
Hope Island location manager Michael Williams, who spearheaded the idea, was undaunted by the price tag. After contacting several local unions, everyone from teamsters, directors, actors and writers joined in to help rebuild the park.
Williams then approached a number of the show suppliers, the Squamish Lillooet Regional District and the B.C. Museum of Mining. Copper Beach Estates joined the program, donating equipment and labour, trucking in donated sand and installing the irrigation system, which was also a gift from a local firm. A number of volunteers from the community added needed elbow grease to help finish the project.
"Everyone pulled together on this one," says Williams. "We really hope that this playing field and the sets we have built and those we've restored from 80-year-old abandoned mineworker bunk houses will be here long after the show eventually wraps. It's a great place to film now, and the sets provide a badly needed small-town look for future shows."
Hope Island stars Cameron Daddo as Daniel Cooper, a recently ordained minister who chooses a new life in the beautiful and quaint seafaring town of Hope Island. Suki Kaiser co-stars in the show, which is currently seen in the U.S. on Pax TV.
Negotiations are under way for a Canadian broadcaster.
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