Award-winning Television Series Less Than Kind to Benefit from New Production Tax Credit: Ministers
A new 30 per cent film and video production tax credit announced in Budget 2010 will assist in the production of a third season of the award-winning HBO television series Less Than Kind, produced by Manitoba’s own Buffalo Gal Pictures, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino and Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.
“The introduction of a Manitoba production credit is a clear signal to the film and television industry that our province is committed to maintaining its place as one of Canada’s key production centres,” said Marcelino. “Our province can offer producers everything they need to make a great television show or movie: skilled people, expertise, facilities, sites and generous financial incentives.”
“We are proud to support Manitoba’s thriving film and television industries,” said Wowchuk. “By expanding this tax credit program that was already considered to be the best in the country, Manitoba is now even more attractive to film and television producers as a great place to do business.”
While Budget 2010 introduced a new 30 per cent production tax credit, the labour-based tax credit is still available as an alternative. Manitoba maintains a maximum labour-based tax credit of up to 65 per cent. The province now has the highest tax credits available to film and television producers in Canada.
Production companies may choose to claim either the labour-based credit or the production-based credit on all eligible local expenditures including labour. These credits are now in place until March 2014.
The strength of the film industry in Manitoba is a tribute to the deep talent pool of the province’s writers, actors and directors; the creative excellence of Manitoba producers and crews; the combination of tax credits, equity supports and training infrastructure; and a good relationship with municipalities regarding film locations, the ministers said.
“Manitoba was the first in Canada to introduce a frequent-filming bonus, along with a labour tax credit that is the best in Canada,” noted Carole Vivier, CEO of Manitoba Film & Music. “We have to be readily competitive with other jurisdictions that have amended or added all spend incentives as the world’s economic situation continues to shift. It’s been proven in the past that this new spend incentive will stimulate further growth in Manitoba’s film industry and infrastructure. We are very excited of what’s to come as a result and very thankful for the continued support from the province.”
“I’m so proud that Manitoba will be able to continue the momentum it has built up in the film and television sector,” said Phyllis Laing, chair of On Screen Manitoba. “The improved tax credit scenario shouts out to the world that this is the place to do business. Our creative and technical talent is second to none and these incentives will open up exciting opportunities to attract projects that will grow our industry and take us to the next level.”
The ministers congratulated Buffalo Gal productions for its work in film and television along with plans to begin producing a third season of Less than Kind.
