FILM TAX CREDIT BUILDS SASKATCHEWAN'S TALENT POOL

The Provincial Government will amend the Film Employment Tax Credit Act to further strengthen Saskatchewan's pool of local artists and technicians who support the province's growing film industry.

The Film Employment Tax Credit Act was originally passed in 1998. It provides a 35 per cent tax credit on eligible Saskatchewan labour costs for film and television productions by Saskatchewan companies. The amendment allows for the extension of the 'deeming' provision.

"By extending the deadline for the 'deeming' provision, we give local producers a competitive advantage in attracting feature films and television series to our province," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "This amendment will also allow us to continue to strengthen the level of training available for our production crews."

To ensure the film industry continues to develop, the amendments to the Film Employment Tax Credit Act will allow non-Saskatchewan residents to be 'deemed' as eligible for the Film Employment Tax Credit, provided they supply training to local artists and technicians.

This amendment will allow the industry to continue to hire expertise on large-scale productions that may not be available in the province.

"This provision is key to the successful marketing of Saskatchewan as a viable film location," SaskFilm CEO Valerie Creighton said. "This feature is particularly important in attracting the large scale productions that have the most impact on the economy of the province, especially feature films and television series."

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: spadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-4909