Creator of The X-Files Chris Carter receives VIFF award

It was Vancouver's deep, dark forests that brought the television series The X-Files to the city for five seasons.

"There were forest scenes in the pilot of The X-Files, and we came up simply for the forests," said creator Chris Carter, laughing.

"[Lead actor] David Duchovny says it was two weeks that turned into five years."

The hit television show had a profound impact on Vancouver's production scene, making the city a go-to location for television and film productions.

Carter is being recognized for The X-Files' contribution to that growth with an Industry Builder Award from the Vancouver International Film Festival.

He said since filming the pilot in 1993, the city has blossomed into the "production capital of North America."

"I always tell people how well we did up here, how deep the talent pool is and how great the work ethic is. People come up here for the exchange on the dollar, but that's not the primary reason to come here nor the only reason," he said.

An '11th' season?

Carter filmed a six episode re-boot of The X-Files in Vancouver in 2015, and he's in negotiations with the studio for more episodes.

"There are serious negotiations about that, to bring it back for what people are calling the 11th season ... and we intend to shoot here in Vancouver," he said.

He said the new episodes would feature lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, as well as all of the cast regulars.

"It brings energy to the city, and it brings talent into Vancouver. I think what happens is there's a spark, and once it gets ignited, everyone benefits."

With files from The Early Edition

To hear the interview, click on the link labelled The X-Files creator Chris Carter receives VIFF award