Alberta’s $70-Million Boost In Film And Television Tax Credits Welcomed By Industry
(edmontonjournal.com)
Local industry groups are welcoming Alberta’s expanded film and television tax credit program, saying the $70 million allotted in this year’s budget will help support the growing sector and attract big productions.
Investment now and into the next few years is part of Alberta’s plans to diversify the economy and help it recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Productions already approved for this year are expected to create up to 12,500 jobs, according to the government.
Tom Viinikka, CEO of Edmonton Screen Industries Office, said it’s an exciting time for the local television and film industries and this credit will provide the room it needs to grow.
“This tax credit makes us competitive with other regions and makes it possible for these productions, especially these really big productions, to come to Alberta,” he said.
“(These) come with potentially hundreds of millions of dollars for a single production, and it provides a ton of jobs and opportunities for people to develop their craft and their talent.”
With big productions like The Last of Us, Viinikka said 2021 was Alberta’s best year, bringing in more money than ever before. He hopes more productions see what the province has to offer, like the variety of seasons and locations — from the prairies to Edmonton’s river valley and big cities.
“We’re a really film-friendly region. It’s inexpensive to shoot, it’s easy to film here with great crew and great assets and infrastructure,” he said.
Advocacy group Keep Alberta Rolling, responding to the budget on social media, also said it will help grow the industry and benefit the province.
“The future is bright,” the group said on Twitter. “This represents increased jobs and investment in the sector and more opportunities to showcase our beautiful province.”
By: Lauren Boothby
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