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Saskatchewan’s government is giving the film industry another boost.
The province announced Thursday it will be providing the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program with an additional $7.5 million after money ran out from the initial $10 million announced in the 2022-23 provincial budget.
It’s a big boost to filmmakers considering in 2012 the province completely scrapped the film tax credit, a move that significantly damaged the industry.
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross has been an MLA since 2007 and was around when the original film tax credit was eliminated.
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross announces $7.5 million in extra funding to the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program on Oct. 20, 2022. (Shane Clausing/980 CJME)
She says the money is coming back to the film industry because there’s a lot more opportunity now than in 2012.
“When we looked at the program (back then), it wasn’t serving probably the industry as well as our program today,” she said Thursday. “This (program) is totally different and that’s why our government is really excited about this. The money we’re investing is going to stay in the province and benefit the province.
“You have to realize that viewing has changed. Before, there was maybe Netflix and Amazon Prime. Today in Canada, we have over 200 streaming (platforms), so they need content. If ever the time was right, the time is now.”
Because more streaming platforms are available and more films and shows are being made, Ross suggests it will help create more jobs throughout the province.
“The film industry has the opportunity to create jobs within the community and to put money back into the communities,” she said. “This is a really good opportunity for us to build upon that industry and to ensure that we have people working in the industry.
“Creative Saskatchewan has put together a very strategic plan to ensure that the money that’s being allocated to the different projects is being done in a very responsible manner. This is not taking away from other projects, this is building on projects,” she added.
Companies from outside of the province can film in Saskatchewan, but can only receive funding if they partner with a Saskatchewan company.
Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean says this announcement is exciting for everyone.
“The initial $10 million that we invested into the industry and production exceeded our expectations in terms of demand,” Dean explained.
“We invested in seven docuseries, a sketch comedy show, two children shows, and two dramatic series – one which has been announced and one which is being announced shortly. The applications keep coming and we’re excited to to respond to them.”
Chris Triffo is with a company called Wavelength Entertainment. He thinks the announcement will help the industry grow to new levels in the province.
“I think this is just beginning and over the next few years you’ll see hundreds if not thousands of jobs come into the province because we have a soundstage,” Triffo explained. “As soon as the capacity for production increases, then the capital is going to be increased.”
In the 2022-23 provincial budget, the funds available for the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program were increased to $10 million from $2 million. The added funding brings the total available in 2022-23 to $17.5 million.