Released on March 27, 2012
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson today announced the deadline for applications under the existing Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC) program would be extended from March 31, 2012 to June 30, 2012.
"As announced in last week's provincial budget, funding for the existing grant program for film production in Saskatchewan will be wound down by Dec. 31, 2014," Hutchinson said. "However the industry representatives made a reasonable argument during our meeting yesterday for an extension to the final deadline for registrations.
"Our government has considered this and agreed to their request. This decision will help the film industry take advantage of the spring production marketing season and also help them conclude business within the existing program."
Hutchinson said the government has notified the industry representatives and also reiterated government's interest in many of the opportunities believed are available to the film sector for the development of a less transient, stronger industry base in Saskatchewan.
"During our meeting yesterday, there was discussion of several initiatives we believed the industry might be interested in exploring," Hutchinson said. "We discussed opportunities such as the industry taking over the Sound Stage, the possibility of a non-refundable film tax rebate program that would benefit those film producers who pay taxes in Saskatchewan, and research and development incentives that may help our industry take advantage of digital media training and production."
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805