The Alberta government says Alberta’s film industry will be able to attract more productions and opportunities with the launch of the new Film and Television Tax Credit program.
In a news release, the government said applications for the program are now open and will support projects that create Alberta jobs, boost investment and raise Alberta’s profile on the small and silver screen.
It said the program offers productions a refundable tax credit to help cover Alberta production and labour costs up to a maximum of $10 million per project. Applicants may be eligible for either a 22 per cent or 30 per cent tax credit for productions that are Alberta owned.
“We want our province to be a destination that attracts talent, investment and business from across Canada and around the globe. This credit, combined with our low tax environment and breathtaking landscapes, makes Alberta an attractive destination for big-budget television and film projects that inject millions into our economy and create jobs for Albertans,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, in a statement.
“Disney has a long history of creating content in Alberta, and we recently celebrated the launch of TOGO on Disney+, which was filmed in the province. We are pleased to see that the Alberta government is launching a film and television tax credit and we look forward to working with them to continue to create stunning content using Alberta’s landscapes and crews,” said MaryAnn Hughes, vice president, production and investment planning, The Walt Disney Company.
“The new film and television tax credit will help bring foreign investment and film and television productions to Alberta. Local producers will be able create and attract high profile projects that support local businesses and create jobs for local crews, creating spinoff benefits for communities across Alberta while growing our world-class film and television sector,” said Tom Cox, managing partner, SEVEN24 Films.
“Calgary is a growing hub for film and television productions, with many large-scale films already hiring local crews and supporting local businesses. The Film and Television Tax Credit program will draw even more productions here, and I look forward to seeing more studios using the Calgary Film Centre and other facilities in southern Alberta, and making investments in our versatile and growing film sector,” said Luke Azevedo, commissioner, film, television & creative industries, Calgary Economic Development.
Mario Toneguzzi is a business reporter in Calgary.
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