Halifax film industry needs boost: NDP
Nova Scotia needs to increase its film tax credit or risk losing productions to other areas, the New Democrats say.
Standing in a replica of the Sistine chapel, NDP Leader Darrell Dexter took the theatre of politics to a downtown Halifax movie set Thursday.
Dexter said he supports the local industry's wish to see the province's film industry tax credit raised to 40 per cent from 30 per cent, the lowest in Atlantic Canada.
"One-hundred per cent of nothing is nothing. So if you attract something into the province and you're making 60 per cent on it, you're far, far better off," Dexter said.
Film and TV producers across the country say the rising Canadian dollar is deterring American producers from crossing the border. In 2003-04, total production in Canada dropped to $4.92 billion from $5.03 billion.
Several U.S. states and countries around the world have introduced tax credit programs to entice filmmakers. In a bid to woo them back, the Ontario government hiked its program last December. Quebec and British Columbia followed suit.
"Winnipeg is our greatest threat," said Rob Riselli, general manager for the Atlantic region of PS Production Services Canada. "Their tax credit is so great and so large right now they're essentially offering free locations."
Nova Scotia's film industry brings in $100 million each year and employs more than 2,100 people.
Actor John Dunsworth, with the TV show Trailer Park Boys, said the province needs to do something before the start of the filming season so jobs don't disappear.
"I am counting on the government to take their responsibility to make us competitive," he said.
- From Feb. 4, 2005 - Cdn. producers bemoan decline in production
- From Aug. 11, 2004 - Spotlight dims on Halifax film industry
- N.S. Film Development Corporation - Industry info