The successful CBS TV series “Tracker” is relocating its production to California after filming in Vancouver and southern British Columbia for three seasons. Actor Justin Hartley stars in the show as a survivalist who tracks missing individuals for rewards. The upcoming fourth season will be filmed in Los Angeles following the approval of a $48 million US tax credit.
“Tracker” premiered in February 2024 and has been a ratings hit for CBS, airing on Global TV in Canada. The move to California has been met with disappointment by Gemma Martini, CEO of Martini Film Studios, which hosted the show for its first three seasons in Langley, BC. Martini emphasized the significance of every production to the local economy and expressed concern about the loss.
The relocation of “Tracker” is part of California’s effort to attract film and television productions back to the state. The show’s substantial tax credit, the largest granted this year, is based on qualified spending exceeding $129 million. The move comes as California experienced a decline in production spending in early 2026, despite remaining a key market with nearly $1.5 billion spent in the state.
While the departure of “Tracker” is a setback for Vancouver’s film industry, other productions such as “Watson” and “Fire Country” are facing changes. Despite these shifts, the Directors Guild of Canada lists numerous projects currently in production in BC, including several from the US. The industry is hopeful that ongoing incentives will continue to attract major productions and generate employment opportunities in the province.
In 2024, the film and TV sector contributed significantly to BC’s economy, generating $3.1 billion and creating around 42,000 jobs. The increased tax credits introduced in BC have made the province more competitive in attracting productions, with hopes for sustained growth in the industry.
