Nova Scotia adds $38M to bolster local film industry
The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage has announced a significant investment of $38 million into the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund. This injection of funds aims to enhance the local film industry and provide economic incentives for screen-based content in the region.
The fund is divided into two streams – one for productions with majority Nova Scotian ownership and another for international or out-of-province ownership. This division allows for a diverse range of projects to benefit from the fund’s resources.
With this recent investment, the total budget for the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund for the 2024-25 period now stands at $77 million. Mike Campbell, the spokesperson for the department, highlighted the positive impact this investment will have on the local economy. He mentioned that businesses in Nova Scotia, such as hotels, restaurants, and rental services, stand to benefit from an increase in productions taking place in the province.
Campbell emphasized the importance of the film industry in Nova Scotia’s economy, stating that it creates jobs, attracts international investments, and influences other sectors like tourism. Laura Mackenzie, the executive director of Screen Nova Scotia, expressed her appreciation for the government’s confidence in the industry through this additional funding.
The film industry contributed approximately $140.7 million to the province’s economy in the previous fiscal year. This year, it has already generated over $160 million in production spending, showcasing the industry’s growth and potential. Mackenzie praised the balance achieved between the amount of money invested in productions and the return on those investments.
In addition to supporting productions in urban areas, the fund also provides extra funding for projects taking place in rural Nova Scotia or those that require more than 30 days of shooting. Mackenzie highlighted the potential for economic development in rural communities through this initiative, as it encourages creators to explore different parts of the province.
Overall, the increased funding for the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund is expected to stimulate the local economy, create job opportunities, and showcase the diverse landscapes of the province. This investment reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the film industry in Nova Scotia.
