The media production industry is a gift that keeps on giving to national and local economies. Provincial governments have long recognized this fact, and have taken action to secure the industry’s success in large cities and small towns across their provinces.
We spoke to three current Conservative premiers about the steps they’ve taken to stimulate investment in their province’s production sector, and why the industry remains a key priority for them into the future.
Fun Fact Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Calgary, Premier Smith moved to Vancouver with the intention of joining the film business. She appeared as an extra on a number of different shows.
Fun Fact
Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Calgary, Premier Smith moved to Vancouver with the intention of joining the film business. She appeared as an extra on a number of different shows.
What benefits have you seen from your government’s investment in Alberta’s film and TV industry, particularly in terms of job creation and the economy?
I had a very dear friend who was involved in the Alberta film industry years ago. The industry shifted to Vancouver, and so did he and most of his friends. I started looking at the reasons for that. Part of it was that Alberta just didn’t have a comparable tax credit to act as that additional leveller when it comes to creating a market where people want to invest.
I was pleased to see that my predecessor came through with a tax credit program that I believe did level the playing field. We had a few glitches that we had to iron out based on what we heard from the industry, but I think the measure of its success is that we have 182 productions that have qualified for that tax credit, representing over $1 billion worth of investment, all the way from the small independent to the very large productions, like HBO’s The Last of Us.
What makes Alberta such an attractive destination for film and television projects?
I think we have everything going for us: we have incredible landscapes, easy access to two international airports in Calgary and Edmonton, good roads that we’ve invested in, and really well-trained technical crews.
Apart from that, our main production tax credit, which is sort of a rebate on labour costs, keeps us competitive. We also have a number of additional grant programs we’ve provided under the Alberta Made Screen Industries Program: a production grant; a post-production, visual effects and digital animation grant; and a project and script development grant. We want to make sure we’re nurturing all parts of this industry.
Are there any recent projects filmed in your province that you are particularly excited about?
My homegrown favourite is the CBC hit series Heartland, which has been filming in the area that I live in for longer than I’ve lived there.
The Last of Us is a personal favourite. They have one scene where they blow up a portion of the legislature building. I think it was my office—I don’t know what I’m supposed to read into that!—but it’s always neat when you can recognize places where you spend a lot of time in a major feature. I have no doubt that we’ll see other productions, large and small. When you’re up to 182 productions, it’s really hard to choose a favourite.
What are your hopes for the future of the film and television industry in your province?
I would hope that we maintain the status of being a great destination. We also want to make sure that we don’t fall behind on what others are doing. There’s a spinoff effect that happens when you attract a major production: every dollar they spend creates four dollars in economic activity. That’s part of the reason that governments like ours are so enthusiastic when we hear of a big production. But I also think Albertans feel so proud when they see our beautiful landscapes and wonderful architecture on the big screen.
TV series or feature films?
TV series. I fall in love with the characters, and a movie’s almost too short when that happens.
Popcorn or candy?
Popcorn, 100 per cent. I can go without butter, but sometimes a little truffle salt is delicious.
“As premier, I will alwayssupport and promote our vibrant film and television industry, because our people here in Ontario are the most talented and capable in the world.”
What benefits have you seen from your government’s investment in Ontario’s film and TV industry, particularly in terms of job creation and the economy?
The film industry in Ontario is world-class. In 2022, we had a record-breaking year, with 45,000 indirect and direct jobs in the film and TV industry and $3.2 billion in direct spending. This year, we are well on our way to recovering after last year’s US-based strike.
As premier, I will always support and promote our vibrant film and television industry, because our people here in Ontario are the most talented and capable in the world.
Are there any policies or actions your government has taken to promote the industry that you would like to highlight?
When we formed government in 2018, I said right off the bat that I wanted to support film and television productions in getting to a $5 billion industry. We’ve taken really important steps, including making location fees eligible for the tax credits; making online productions eligible for tax credits; simplifying the computer animation and special effects tax credit; and keeping the industry open during COVID, thanks to strong health and safety regulations and the diligence of the production staff and talent.
Just this last spring, we made a $3.5 million investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation into four film and television projects filmed in and around North Bay. This investment will help create jobs, attract talent and increase the quality of film and television series produced in Nipissing.
We’ve invested in training and retaining workers through our Skills Development Fund. I encourage productions to apply for this funding that will keep our film workforce competitive with jurisdictions around the world.
My number one priority as premier is to let the world know that great things are happening here in Ontario. As a government, we’ve cut billions of dollars in red tape and duplicative regulations. The film and television industry is so important to local economies across our province, and I’ll continue to have their backs.
Are there any recent projects filmed in your province that you were particularly excited about?
We have a lot of really successful shows that have been made here for several years— Star Trek, Schitt’s Creek, The Handmaid’s Tale, Murdoch Mysteries. However, what really excites me is seeing production studios making long-term commitments right here in Ontario. We recently saw Amazon commit to Pinewood Studios, with productions like Reacher filming there. We’ve got a new show filming at Cinespace called Heavy Metal that I’m looking forward to seeing.
Our province is attracting world-class productions. I understand some Ontario-made movies will be shown at TIFF this year that had support through Ontario Creates, and I’m really pleased about that.
I’ve been clear since the day I became premier that I want Ontario’s film and television industry to reach $5 billion. I think we’re well on our way. We’ve got the best talent, the best locations and the best industry infrastructure out there. We’ve got massive urban cities, quaint towns, four seasons of weather, and state-of-the-art film studios. But more than anything else, we’ve got the best workers in the world right here in Ontario.
What is your all-time favourite TV show or movie?
I really loved the Police Academy movies—and some of them were filmed right here in Ontario!
“As long as I’m premierof Nova Scotia, the film industry here has a partner, and I will make sure that productions, producers, actors, anyone that touches film and television knows that. The benefits to ourprovince are too great.”
What benefits have you seen from your government’s investment in Nova Scotia’s film and TV industry, particularly in terms of job creation and the economy?
I’m a big fan of Nova Scotia’s film and television sector, and I understand its importance to the cultural and economic fabric of Nova Scotia.
My background is as an accountant, so numbers matter to me. Here is what the film and television industry does for our economy. During the 2021–22 period, the film industry injected $180.8 million into the local economy, supporting 650 well-paying jobs across the province. In the last full fiscal year (2023–24), 83 projects were approved through the Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund, for a total investment of $39 million. This investment resulted in $140,707,804 in direct spending in Nova Scotia.
I also love the fact that when people see our beautiful province on TV and the big screen, they google where the production was shot, and then want to visit our province. Film is an incredible tourism opportunity.
This strategic financial investment in the film fund is pivotal for fostering a thriving, competitive creative sector within our province. It underlines our commitment to nurturing an environment where filmmakers, screenwriters and performers can thrive.
Supporting our local film industry not only creates a direct impact on our local economy, but also has a cross-sectoral effect. Film and tourism have cultivated a mutually enriching relationship, thanks in part to the collaborative efforts between Tourism Nova Scotia, Screen Nova Scotia and our community of filmmakers.
In October 2022, I recognized the need to expand the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) program to include film and video operators. For eligible film and video operators under the age of 30, the program returns their Nova Scotia provincial income tax paid on the first $50,000 of eligible income earned.
In June 2024, on set in Cape Breton, I introduced a Distant Location Incentive to the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund, intended to stimulate production-based economic activity in more areas throughout the province.
Of course. Washington Black filmed in our province for 56 days, with 39 of those days in rural locations such as Louisbourg, Lunenburg and Mount Uniacke, Avondale and Peggy’s Cove. This not only showcases Nova Scotia’s diverse landscapes, but also brings economic benefits to these areas.
Sullivan’s Crossing is returning to film in the province this year. This will be the third season of this series, which airs on CTV.
We Were Liars is a series for Amazon Prime Video, produced by NBCUniversal, currently filming in our province.
Most recently, I visited the set of Little Lorraine, based on a true story, being filmed in Cape Breton.
To keep thriving, growing and promoting our beautiful province. As long as I’m premier of Nova Scotia, the film industry here has a partner, and I will make sure that productions, producers, actors, anyone that touches film and television knows that. The benefits to our province are too great.
Anything filmed in Nova Scotia!
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