FILM INDUSTRY GETS A BOOST

The government is taking steps that will help Saskatchewan's film industry continue to grow.

Amendments to the Film Employment Tax Credit will help continue to attract film and television productions to the province which, in turn, will create jobs in the industry. Chief among the amendments is the extension of the deeming provision. The deeming provision treats out-of-province professionals as if they were Saskatchewan workers for the purposes of the tax credit, providing they train Saskatchewan film production employees while working in Saskatchewan.

"Some of Canada's most popular and beloved productions, such as Corner Gas and Little Mosque on the Prairie, have come out of Saskatchewan," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "Our production industry is an example to the nation. The industry contributes to the quality of life we all enjoy and builds pride in our great province. It also provides exciting new career choices for our young people who want to work in this area and live in Saskatchewan."

Saskatchewan's film and television production industry is continuing to grow. In 2007-2008 there were approximately 1,200 full-time employees in the television and film industry, an increase of nearly 13 per cent over 2006-2007.

"Today's news means that we can continue to train a specialized, highly-skilled labour force to facilitate the growth and the competitive position of Saskatchewan's film and television industry in the international marketplace," Saskatchewan Producer's Association vice-president Stephen Onda said. "Through infrastructure initiatives such as the deeming provision, our film and television crew members and technicians have worked with Academy Award winning leaders in various production departments. By expanding our work force, we enhance our industry's ability to attract and deliver film and television productions from across Canada and around the world."

The Film Employment Tax Credit Act was introduced in 1998. Since then, Saskatchewan's film industry has grown from a few million dollars of annual production to the current $50 to $60 million a year.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909