The organization that represents Nova Scotia's film industry is requesting an emergency meeting with Premier Stephen McNeil, saying Thursday the pending closure of two key film businesses represents an "unfolding crisis."
Screen Nova Scotia issued a statement saying industry suppliers PS Atlantic and SIM Digital are shutting down as a result of the government's decision earlier this year to eliminate the province's Film Tax Credit.
Screen Nova Scotia chairman Marc Almon said the two production services companies are "cornerstones of the screen industries," the loss of which represents a "devastating blow."
The industry has experienced a terrible year since the tax credit was replaced, suggesting investor confidence has been shaken, he said.
Under a new $10-million film incentive fund, projects can get a 25 per cent refund on all production costs including labour. The fund replaced a $24-million tax credit that gave projects a 50 per cent rebate for labour costs.
"Individual film workers are leaving town," Almon said in a statement released Thursday. "Now entire companies are closing their doors. We are asking the premier to step up, admit there's a problem, and show some real leadership before it's too late."
McNeil is expected to leave for a trade mission to China on Saturday. His office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Progressive Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie issued a statement saying the looming shutdowns are "distressing but not surprising."
"Premier McNeil should meet with Screen Nova Scotia before he leaves on his trip to Asia," Baillie said. "The film industry is a major employer and they are in crisis ... This is the devastating impact of his government's incompetent cuts to the film tax credit, which we warned him about earlier this spring."
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