Nova Scotia adds $38M to bolster local film industry

The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage is adding $38 million to the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund to enhance the local industry. 

This fund offers economic incentives for screen-based content in two streams — one for productions with majority Nova Scotian ownership and another for international or out-of-province ownership.

The province's investment brings the fund's total to $77 million for the 2024-25 budget period. 

Mike Campbell, the department's spokesperson, said the investment will enhance the local economy as well. He said businesses benefit from more productions taking place in Nova Scotia, including hotels, restaurants and rental services.

"Film is a critical part of Nova Scotia's economy," Campbell said in an email. "It creates jobs, draws international investments, and influences other markets like tourism."

Laura Mackenzie, executive director of Screen Nova Scotia, said the additional funding shows the "government's confidence in the industry."

The film industry brought in around $140.7 million to the province's economy last fiscal year. This year, it has generated more than $160 million in production spending so far. 

"I think we've really hit that right number in terms of the amount of money that we're injecting into productions and the return on those investments," Mackenzie said. 

Information Morning - NS9:00A look at what's filming across the province this summer

<p>Screen Nova Scotia executive director Laura Mackenzie talks about how film crews across the province are ramping up for summer productions. Laura predicts a bustling season with The Institute, From, and lots of other&nbsp;shows lined up to shoot here.</p>

Rural communities

The fund also offers additional funding for productions taking place in rural Nova Scotia or that take more than 30 days to shoot. 

Mackenzie said that could support economic development in rural communities, as it attracts creators to show different parts of the province.  

"I think there's lots of opportunity for dollars to be injected in communities which would really benefit from them, especially in the off-season," she said.