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Government lifts the curtain on blockbuster supports for film

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By Murray Green

Enhancements to the Film and Television Tax Credit will attract medium and big-budget productions that will create jobs and attract investment in the province.

The Film and Television Tax Credit, in combination with Alberta’s competitive tax environment, affordable labour costs and breathtaking scenery, have made the province a prime choice for medium and big-budget television and film projects that will have a positive impact on Alberta’s economy.

To build on the success of the program, Alberta’s government is removing the $10 million per project cap to make the province an even more desirable location for larger film productions. This change also creates more flexibility for the province to respond to future growth in this sector, and encourages the development of production studios here in Alberta.

The tax credit has a significant return on investment, with every $1 in tax credits distributed creating roughly $4 that is reinvested into Alberta’s economy.

It is expected that successful Film and Television Tax Credit applicants will create thousands of goodpaying jobs for Albertans, as removing the per project cap will embolden more longer-term television series to come to the province.

“These changes to the Film and Television Tax Credit are going to attract hundreds of millions of dollars in productions, which lead to the development of film studios and create hundreds of jobs, ranging from carpenters to lighting technicians. Productions will fill hotels, drive diversification and provide customers in small businesses across Alberta,” said Doug Schweitzer, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.

“Supporting Alberta’s emerging film and television talent is essential to a strong and thriving screenbased sector. This industry is resilient and has stepped up to the challenge of working safely. It was an honour to work with JEI and stakeholders on the tax credit enhancements, and I am thrilled to see made-inAlberta productions filming again and creating jobs for artists,” added Leela Sharon Aheer, Alberta Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

Since the Film and Television Tax Credit launched in January 2020, it has approved 31 medium and large-scale productions with an anticipated spend of $177.6 million and 3,300 jobs for Albertans.

Applications approved by the program so far represent a variety of production types and genres, including one digital media production; 10 feature films, including one comedy, three documentaries, five dramas and one science fiction production; and 20 television series, 13 of which are returning.

Through Budget 2021, Alberta’s government increased its support for this industry by adding an additional $19.5 million, for a total budget of $50 million in 2021-22.

Application intake for the Film and Television Tax Credit opened on Jan. 29, 2020 and remains open.

“This is monumental in its significance to Alberta’s motion picture industry. In terms of jobs, this announcement will mean new careers for thousands of highly skilled Albertans. Many hundreds of businesses will also benefit from the massive infusion of cash this industry brings into our economy. Our industry has worked together for decades to encourage this outcome. I congratulate the Government of Alberta and all those industry members who worked tirelessly to bring about this announcement today. We are now a much more competitive jurisdiction with interest and major investment from the world’s largest studios and streaming companies. Albertans can be proud of this industry and should be prepared to hear additional announcements about new projects in the near future,” shared Damian Petti, president, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 212.

“The Alberta Media Production Industries Association welcomes the decision to enhance the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit. These changes will bring significant growth in investment and jobs in our industry and beyond. We look forward to working with the government to ensure there continues to be a place for Alberta’s stories and storytellers as our sector grows,” said David Benson, chair, Alberta Media Production Industries Association.

“Alberta has become a location of choice globally for film and television production. Our vistas, talent, crews and safe film-friendly environment are world class. With the support of Minister Schweitzer and our provincial government, we now have the ability to compete internationally for largebudget projects that will have a significant impact on our provincial economy and job creation in this exciting, growing sector,” continued Luke Azevedo, commissioner of Film, Television and Creative Industries, Calgary Economic Development.

“When we filmed Togo in the town of Cochrane and surrounding area, our production was brought to life by the expertise of local crews and stunning landscapes. The experience was truly second to none. This announcement is great news for Alberta’s film and TV sector, and for production teams with their eyes on Canada,” said Mary Ann Hughes, vice president, Production and Investment Planning for Disney.

“Alberta is poised to become the next major production centre in Canada, and with the changes to their production incentive, they have made themselves competitive with many jurisdictions both inside and outside the country. We appreciate the steps the government, and especially Minister Schweitzer, have made to make Alberta more attractive for film and television production,” said Barry Ziehl, senior vice president, public affairs, Warner Bros.

“An enhanced film and television production incentive will support growth and opportunity for local casts and crews, and engage workers in a wide range of sectors from construction, transportation, accommodation and hospitality,” said Wendy Noss, president, Motion Picture Association – Canada.

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