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NDP Calls for Increase in Film Tax Credit |
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Written by NDP News Release
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Wednesday, 08 February 2006 |
Joan Massey, MLA for Dartmouth East and NDP Tourism and Culture Critic is calling on the Conservative government to increase the Film Tax Credit to keep the Nova Scotia film industry nationally and internationally competitive.
"We have so much talent in this region and we are just not doing what we should to capitalize on the potential of our film industry," says Massey. "Just a five percent increase, up to 40% in the urban areas and 45% in rural areas, would make such a difference."
"Film makers from around the world need to have a reason to come here and experience our resources and work with our talent. We have so much to offer, we just need to bring people here so they can see it for themselves."
"The film industry is central to our economic development. It is a base we can build on. Production decisions are being made now, and in the next few weeks. We can't wait for the spring budget."
Massey says she would also like to see the retention of the 5% "frequent filmer" bonuses for companies that return to Nova Scotia to work and a new 5% bonus for productions using 60% or more local performers; a performer being an actor with a speaking role. She says that she found it ironic that the government issued a release today announcing that the Nova Scotia film Development Corporation was being sent on a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand with no mention of the key role government has played, particularly in Australia, in nurturing a home-grown film industry.
"Australian talent is on the world-stage precisely because that government decided decades ago to treat film as an industry and not as a luxury," says Massey. "If the Nova Scotia delegation wants to know what role government can play developing a competitive industry they should ask Peter Weir, Bruce Beresford, Bryan Brown, Judy Davies, Wendy Hughes, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe."
"All these actors benefitted from government support of the industry, and I would like to see our local talent given the same support."
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