Province Increases Competitive Advantage with Tax Credit Changes

Premier's Office

Published Monday, December 6, 2010

Changes to the Film Industry Tax Credit and Digital Media Tax Credit announced by Premier Darrell Dexter, will ensure the province's film, television and new media industry continues to be one of the most competitive in Canada.

Quotes

Innovative and competitive sectors such as this, play a significant role in the economic future of our province. These changes will help increase the local industry's competitive advantage, by providing more incentives to produce in Nova Scotia. More production means more high-value job opportunities for Nova Scotians.Premier Darrell Dexter

Eliminating the cap on labour for the Film Industry Tax Credit will, I believe, be beneficial for animation because of the disproportionately labour intensive nature of this part of the industry. Our animation studio in Halifax has 65 employees. Because of this change, we expect that to more than double, over the next 18 months, to 150.Michael Donovan, executive producer and CEO of DHX Media Ltd.

We are thrilled with the updates to these important industry incentives. This shows government's commitment to this industry and their understanding of the major economic benefits it brings to the province.Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia.

Quick Facts

  • Residency requirements for both credits were changed so that someone only has to so be a resident in the province during the production period. The total production cap for the Film Industry Tax Credit was also removed. These changes will be effective for productions starting on or after Dec. 1, 2010.
  • DHX is a Halifax-based creator and distributor of television and film with a primary focus on children's programming and animation.
  • Previously, the Film Industry Tax Credit was based on what was less, either 50 per cent of the costs of eligible labour or 25 per cent of total production costs. Due to the labour intensity of digital animation, the cap limited the ability of animators to take full advantage of the credit.
  • Last month the province introduced its economic growth strategy, jobsHere, which focuses on learning, competitiveness and innovation.
  • Nova Scotia's film, television and new media industry is the fourth largest in Canada, generating over $100 million in economic activity and creating about 3,000 full- time jobs annually.

Learn More

Media Contact

Jennifer Stewart
Premier's Office
902-424-0007
Cell: 902-497-7198
E-mail:
Bailey Williams
Economic and Rural Development
902-424-5823
Cell: 902-237-9986
E-mail:

Images

Premier Darrell Dexter talks with Michael Donovan, executive producer and CEO of DHX Media Ltd., following the news conference
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Premier Darrell Dexter talks to media at a news conference.
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Premier Darell Dexter talks with Michael Donovan, executive producer and CEO of DHX Media Ltd., and Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia.
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Premier Darrell Dexter talks about Nova Scotia's film industry.
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Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the changes will enable the industry to increase its competitive advantage and create high-value jobs.
Michael Donovan, executive producer and CEO of DHX Media Ltd. says the creative economy is the key to economic growth.
Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia says the film industry in the province is vibrant.