Alarm bells sounded by Screen Nova Scotia on the state of the provincial film industry have failed to sway Premier Stephen McNeil, who says his government won't change its revamped tax incentive program.
Screen Nova Scotia requested an emergency meeting with McNeil on Thursday over the impending closure of industry suppliers PS Atlantic and SIM Digital, which it linked to the decision to replace the province's film tax credit.
McNeil said Friday that Business Minister Mark Furey is willing to meet and answer any questions about the implementation of the government's new program.
But he said the cash-strapped province simply can't afford to subsidize the industry at a rate of 65 cents for every dollar.
"If it (the meeting) is about the implementation of the new program it's fair to have that conversation. But no Nova Scotian, in my view, believes that a 65-cent subsidy is sustainable."
McNeil said the film industry remains one of the highest subsidized sectors, even with the changes to the incentive.
Projects can get a 25 per cent refund on all production costs including labour under the $10 million film incentive fund, which replaced a $24-million tax credit that gave projects a 50 per cent rebate for labour costs.
In a statement released Thursday, Screen Nova Scotia chairman Marc Almon called the move by the supply companies an "unfolding crisis" and said the industry had experienced a terrible year since the tax credit was replaced.
Almon also suggested investor confidence had been shaken.
"I don't want to dismiss what they are saying," said McNeil. "We certainly are prepared to sit down and talk to them, but we have also had people tell us that they can work within this sector."
Almon later confirmed that Screen Nova Scotia would meet with Furey on Monday. He said the organization would also continue to press for a meeting with McNeil once he returns next month from a business trip to Asia.
"It's critical that we meet with the premier, and we trust that Monday's meeting will lay the groundwork for that important conversation," said Almon.
The organization estimates the province has lost $20 million in production since July 1.
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