ARTICLE
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Budget Brings Big News for Capital Region Film Industry February 18, 2014 – Victoria, BC – Today’s budget announcement on film industry tax credits will have a significant positive economic impact on the Greater Victoria economy. Having the Capital Regional District (CRD) eligible for the Distance Tax Credit has been a long awaited but welcome change. The Film and Television Production Regulation will be amended effective February 19, 2014 to include the CRD for the purposes of the Distant Location Tax Credit. “We are glad to see the government responsive to the needs of the film industry, particularly here in Greater Victoria,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Producers have been eagerly waiting for tax incentives in order to begin working here in the Capital Region.” When the tax credit was first implemented – and the CRD was excluded– production in the CRD plummeted from 11 major productions in 2006 to one production in 2008. Production companies have been clear with industry professionals that they were not scouting locations in the Capital Region because the Distance Tax Credit did not apply to the region. Carter noted that the economic spinoffs are great, including car rentals, accommodations, restaurant meals, and construction. “We have producers waiting for this announcement and we should see a positive economic impact almost immediately,” said Carter. “This will help build B.C.’s share of the film industry as the Capital has some unique locations not found anywhere else in B.C.” The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- For more information contact: Janet Crocker Policy and Communications Manager Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: jcrocker@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 360-3476 Bruce Carter CEO Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email:: bcarter@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250)360-3470
MEDIA RELEASE
February 18, 2014 – Victoria, BC – Today’s budget announcement on film industry tax credits will have a significant positive economic impact on the Greater Victoria economy. Having the Capital Regional District (CRD) eligible for the Distance Tax Credit has been a long awaited but welcome change. The Film and Television Production Regulation will be amended effective February 19, 2014 to include the CRD for the purposes of the Distant Location Tax Credit. “We are glad to see the government responsive to the needs of the film industry, particularly here in Greater Victoria,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Producers have been eagerly waiting for tax incentives in order to begin working here in the Capital Region.” When the tax credit was first implemented – and the CRD was excluded– production in the CRD plummeted from 11 major productions in 2006 to one production in 2008. Production companies have been clear with industry professionals that they were not scouting locations in the Capital Region because the Distance Tax Credit did not apply to the region. Carter noted that the economic spinoffs are great, including car rentals, accommodations, restaurant meals, and construction. “We have producers waiting for this announcement and we should see a positive economic impact almost immediately,” said Carter. “This will help build B.C.’s share of the film industry as the Capital has some unique locations not found anywhere else in B.C.” The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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