Vancouver's Flyover Soars to New Global Heights with Content Licensing Initiative
The Vancouver-based flying film company Flyover, renowned for creating immersive cinematic experiences like Awaken Canada and Soar with Santa, is embarking on a significant global expansion. Through a newly established content licensing division, the company will now make its award-winning films available to immersive film venues around the world, marking a strategic shift from operating its own attractions to becoming a content provider for the global flying theater industry.
From Local Attraction to Global Content Library
Since first opening its doors at Canada Place in 2013, Flyover has established itself as a premier entertainment destination in Vancouver. The original Flyover Vancouver attraction has welcomed an impressive 5.8 million visitors over the past decade. When combined with attendance figures from its additional venues in Las Vegas and Chicago, the company has entertained a total of nine million guests worldwide.
Now, Flyover is poised to reach even broader audiences through its innovative licensing model. According to Lisa Adams, COO and executive producer for Flyover, this represents a fundamental evolution in the company's business strategy.
"Essentially, it's the launch of what we're calling content licensing, for lack of a better word at this point, to the flying ride industry, which expands beyond just locations which have the same tech as us," Adams explained. "It's our first step into sort of filling a gap that exists in the industry, which is high-quality content that's easy to put into an attraction."
Award-Winning Content Production
Flyover's success stems from its meticulously produced films, each representing approximately two years of creative development and production. The company has produced seven films to date, with each typically running about nine minutes in length. These cinematic experiences are created in collaboration with Whistler-based Sherpas Cinema, known for their innovative filmmaking approach.
Dave Mossop, creative director for the Flyover films at Sherpas Cinema, reflected on the company's pioneering role in the industry: "We had the privilege in 2013 of releasing the original Flyover film (Flyover Canada) here in Vancouver. And that was the first time a film like this had existed outside of a theme park. Since then, it has exploded. There's way more of these flying theatres around the world."
The Growing Global Market for Flying Theaters
The timing of Flyover's expansion coincides with significant growth in the flying theater industry worldwide. Currently, there are over 50 flying theaters operating globally, with new venues continuing to emerge in various markets. This expansion creates substantial demand for high-quality, ready-to-install content that venues can easily integrate into their operations.
Mossop attributes much of the format's success to the shared experience it provides audiences: "You get to show up and do something amazing together as a group. The VR headset is even more enclosed; you're in this singular experience by yourself. But I think it's really powerful to share an experience in person with a group and hear the reactions. The energy in the room really affects the impact to the heart."
Production Process and Creative Innovation
The creation of each Flyover film involves an extensive development process that begins with four to six months of pre-production work before cameras even start rolling. This initial phase includes comprehensive research, script development, and logistical planning.
"(There's a big) pre-production period of research and writing. And then we shoot for about six to twelve months," Mossop detailed. "We often want to get a shot in every season, the winter and summer and spring and fall colours and all those things."
This attention to seasonal detail and comprehensive production approach has resulted in films like the long-running success Call of the Canadian Rockies, which continues to captivate audiences with its breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling.
Strategic Implications for Vancouver's Creative Economy
Flyover's global licensing initiative represents more than just business expansion—it positions Vancouver as a hub for innovative entertainment technology and content creation. By licensing its intellectual property to theaters worldwide, the company is exporting Vancouver's creative expertise while maintaining its production base in British Columbia.
This move comes at a time when the flying theater industry continues to demonstrate strong growth potential, with audiences increasingly seeking shared, immersive entertainment experiences that combine cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling.
