June 2, 2015
Manitoba Government Reaffirms Support for Film Industry with Tax Credit
– – –Manitoba Continues to Embrace Film, Video Production: Premier Selinger
The Manitoba government will continue to support the local film industry with an extension of the Film and Video Production Tax Credit and the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“This credit will continue to create jobs and inspire the local creation of film, television and multi-media productions,” said Premier Selinger. “We have much to offer production companies including talent, experienced crew and locations. This credit is just one more incentive to come and work here.”
The film and television industry is projected to receive about $15 million per year in tax credits while digital media receives about $1 million, the premier said. Those industries help generate an average of $108 million (film) and $37 million (digital media) in direct economic activity and provide meaningful, highly skilled jobs for more than 2,000 Manitobans every year, he added.
”This tax credit provides the incentive companies need to make the decision on where the best place is to create their product,” said Phyllis Laing, president, Buffalo Gals Pictures. “Manitoba already offers a strong pool of local talent and crew, but this credit can mean the difference between working in Manitoba and setting up shop somewhere else.”
In 2013, On Screen Manitoba released a comprehensive economic impact study that included detailed analysis of Manitoba’s media production industry accomplishments between 2009 and 2013. The study concluded:
- Manitoba has an annual production volume of $108 million and an average of 67 projects;
- the industry contributes $71 million annually to the provincial gross domestic product;
- the industry attracts nearly $60 million annually from outside the province;
- fifty per cent of Manitoba production companies are run by women;
- twenty-three per cent of Manitoba companies have some Indigenous ownership; and
- Francophone companies represent just three per cent of Manitoba production companies, but account for 16 per cent of the business.
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