On location: American capital and the local labour market in the Vancouverfilm industry

This article makes three contributions to the local labour market literatur e. Firstly, it provides an empirical example of the contours and dynamics o f a unique local labour market. Secondly, it explores the degree to which t he local labour market is shaped by external forces operating at the nation al and international scale. Thirdly, it considers the extent to which the l ocal labour market can be conceptualized as a multi-vocal social construct. These ideas are developed through a case study of union involvement in the Vancouver film industry. During the summer of 1997 there was a period of d iscord between the actors' union in Vancouver, UBCP, and American producers , represented by the AMPTP. These tensions were exacerbated by the involvem ent of the Provincial Government, the local press and other vested interest groups. Using a variety of interview and documentary evidence, this disput e is used to illustrate the geographically specific and highly complex natu re of local labour markets.