Nova Scotia film industry doomed by tax credit cut, Moncton producer says
Frank Savoie, who moved 2 productions to N.S. during N.B. spending review, optimistic about moving back
A Moncton-based producer, who recently moved two productions from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia, says the Nova Scotia government has doomed its film and television industry with cuts announced in Thursday's provincial budget.
Frank Savoie, president of Connections Productions, says his two variety show productions will be shot before the change in Nova Scotia comes into effect on July 1.
But he says several big name shows that have been shot in that province won't be there for long.
"The initial reaction, and I tend to concur, is that it's the end of the industry in Nova Scotia," said Savoie.
"I mean, they have literally, effectively killed it. You know, projects like the Trailer Park Boys, like This Hour has 22 Minutes, Haven, Call Me Fitz — all of those big series they've been doing for years, they're going to have to move, they've have no choice."
Savoie moved his two productions — and the related jobs — to Halifax earlier this year because of the timing of New Brunswick's review of government spending, including its film tax incentives.
That review put a moratorium on funding.
But Savoie says he's optimistic the New Brunswick government will come up with a sustainable plan to support the film and TV industry.
"I feel very confident that we'll be able to bring the productions back and work with the government," he said.
Savoie added that while New Brunswick wants to work with the industry, it appears the Nova Scotia government made its decision without talking to producers.
New Brunswick's Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser has said he expects a review of the funding for the film and television industries should be complete this month.