Film industry wants emergency meeting with Nova Scotia’s premier
Posted Aug 28, 2015 03:49:57 AM.
Last Updated Aug 28, 2015 07:31:37 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – The organization that represents Nova Scotia’s film industry is requesting an emergency meeting with Premier Stephen McNeil, saying the pending closure of two key film businesses represents an “unfolding crisis.”
Screen Nova Scotia says industry suppliers PS Atlantic and SIM Digital are shutting down as a result of the government’s decision earlier this year to eliminate the province’s Film Tax Credit.
Screen Nova Scotia chairman Marc Almon says the two production services companies are “cornerstones of the screen industries,” the loss of which represents a “devastating blow.”
He says the industry has experienced a terrible year since the tax credit was replaced, suggesting investor confidence has been shaken.
Under a new $10-million film incentive fund, projects can get a 25 per cent refund on all production costs including labour.
The fund replaced a $24-million tax credit that gave projects a 50 per cent rebate for labour costs.
