Lifting the curtain on blockbuster supports for film

By Stan Ashbee on April 6, 2021.

The crew adjusts camera and lighting equipment between scenes filming of the Hollywood production of "Let Him Go" starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane in 2019 in Fort Macleod. Herald file photo by Ian Martens

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, according to a recent media release.
It was stated in the release, the Film and Television Tax Credit, in combination with Alberta’s competitive tax environment, affordable labour costs and breathtaking scenery – has 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,” it was noted.
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 was added.
It is expected successful Film and Television Tax Credit applicants will create thousands of good-paying 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 leads to the development of film studios and creates hundreds of jobs ranging from carpenters to lighting technicians. Productions will fill hotels, drive diversification and provide customers to small businesses across Alberta,” stated Doug Schweitzer, minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
Supporting Alberta’s emerging film and television talent is essential to a strong and thriving screen-based sector, stated Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer, in the media release. “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-in-Alberta productions filming again and creating jobs for artists.”
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
–  20 television series, 13 of which are returning
Through Budget 2021, Alberta’s government increased its supports 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.
“An enhanced film and television production incentive will support growth and opportunity for local cast and crew, and engage workers in a wide-range of sectors from construction, transportation, accommodation and hospitality. This is a welcomed announcement for global production teams looking for more choice, breathtaking locations and new talent. We look forward to continuing to work together with Minister Schweitzer to build the creative economy in Alberta,” stated Wendy Noss, president, Motion Picture Association-Canada.

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