HALIFAX – Screen Nova Scotia is requesting an emergency meeting with Premier McNeil after two major industry suppliers announced they are pulling out of the province.
On Thursday, PS Atlantic and SIM Digital announced they are leaving the province due, in part, to the elimination of the film tax credit, which was re-organized into the film tax incentive. Both companies will close down operations in October.
“That has led to a decline in film and television production in the province,” reads a statement from SIM Group, the parent company to SIM Digital.
“Halifax had been a home to a vibrant production community but the reduction in the incentive program has had a negative impact on their ability to compete,” said SIM Group COO John DeBoer in a statement.
Marc Almon, the chair of Screen Nova Scotia, said the industry is in a crisis.
“It’s something that could have been avoided and we want to work with the government,” he said. “We want to work with Nova Scotia Business Inc. to re-build our industry. But without some significant action on their part, we’re going to continue to see the loss of companies, the loss of personnel.”
DeBoer said the company will support customers from its Toronto location.
Jeff Wheaton, the general manager of SIM Digital, said six full-time employees will be let go.
More details to come.
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