Continuation of Tax Credit

To kick off the 24th Atlantic Film Festival today, Sept. 17, Premier John Hamm announced the continuation of the province's film industry tax credit due to expire in December 2005.

The announcement will be supported in the 2005-06 budget.

"You can see all around us the benefits that have resulted from the introduction of the tax credit a decade ago," Premier Hamm said. "Today's announcement of a renewal of that commitment will give one of the province's thriving industries the certainty it needs as it continues to attract new productions to Nova Scotia."

Premier Hamm also noted the province is busy working on a new strategy to grow and promote Nova Scotia's film industry.

This summer, the premier led Nova Scotia's trade mission to Los Angeles where he said the reception by industry representatives was encouraging. The 29 participating companies targeted the film, television, music, visual arts, culture and life-sciences sectors.

The premier welcomed everyone visiting the province for the Atlantic Film Festival, which opens today and runs until Sept. 25 at venues throughout Halifax. He said this year's festival stands to be the best ever, with more than 200 films being shown and numerous opportunities for filmmakers to come together, learn from each other and prepare for the future.