SMPIA Press Release - MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY GRAPPLES WITH FUTURE
March 18, 2010

March 18, 2010 (Regina, SK) - The critical state of the Saskatchewan film and television industry has resulted in the departure of William F. White International, a major supplier of film and television production equipment. The company is leaving the province because of an unprecedented downturn in production.

The move is indicative of the rapid deterioration of the crew base and dramatic decline in production volumes experienced in the last 12 months.

In 2008 film and television production stimulated approximately $75 million in economic activity and created over 1200 full-time equivalent jobs in the province. In the same year production volumes within Saskatchewan exceeded $64 million with more than 70 per cent of financing originating outside the province (over five years, investment in the province averaged $56.7 million per year).

In 2010 highly skilled technicians and creative personnel are being forced to retrain or relocate. The primary unions representing the employees in the film and television industry are reporting declines in their membership in the province.

As a result of the global credit crunch and less competitive incentive programs production volumes have dropped more than 70 per cent since 2008.


During the recession the Canadian industry as a whole experienced a decline, however, several provinces quickly responded with changes to financing and tax credit policies. Two provinces which have made such changes – Manitoba and Ontario – are experiencing significant increases in production in 2010, with future forecasts looking promising.


With infrastructure envied across the country and creative/technical competency competitive around the world, Saskatchewan remains an attractive destination for international investment as external market conditions improve. However, to recapture the success of the previous five years improvements to the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC) are urgently needed.


Saskatchewan productions have earned public and critical acclaim across the country and around the world garnering countless accolades while generating significant economic and cultural benefits for the province. The leadership of the Government of Saskatchewan has been instrumental in growing the industry to the level of achievement seen in recent years, however, further examination of the financing and tax incentive program is required to compete with the aggressive programming in place in other jurisdictions across the country.

“Our success over the past twenty years has been a direct result of a very fruitful public/private partnership,” said Stephen Onda, award-winning producer and president of the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association, “and alongside our partners in Government we look forward to creating the most vibrant and attractive industry in Canada.”


For further comment, please contact:

Stephen Onda, President
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association
Phone: (306) 596-8014
Office: (306) 525-9899
Email: info@smpia.sk.ca
Website: http://www.filmtvsask.com