Film technicians' hours worked down by 55% in 2017 compared to 2016

Less work since Film Tax Credit eliminated

HALIFAX – New numbers show there is less work for film technicians in Nova Scotia since the Film Tax Credit was eliminated. The numbers come from IATSE Local 849, representing the bulk of the motion picture technicians in the province.

“Our film and television industry has been through a lot of upheaval over the past few years. While there has been some recovery - thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in the industry - it’s clear there is a need for change in terms of government policy,” said Susan Leblanc, NDP Film and Television spokesperson.

IATSE Local 849 represents about 300 NSworkers in the industry. The number of hours worked by IATSE members declined by 55 per cent in 2017, compared to 2016. The number of hours worked in 2017 represents just 33 per cent of the hours worked in 2014, before the Film Tax Credit was eliminated.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Jenny Reeves, President of IATSE Local 849. “Our industry is still facing many challenges, three years after the Film Tax Credit was eliminated. For our members it has meant fewer hours and greater economic insecurity.”

Before the Film Tax Credit was cut in 2014, the film and television industry had added $180 million to Nova Scotia’s gross domestic product and employed 3,200 people, according to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers report.

“Premier McNeil’s decision to eliminate the Film Tax Credit, after promising to maintain it, continues to have a negative impact on our local cultural sector. We need a government that supports arts and culture and that understands the benefits of strong cultural industries,” said Leblanc.

Total number of hours worked

Year	Hours Worked	8-hour days of work
2014	325,500	40,687
2015	138,900	17,362
2016	241,900	30,238
2017	107,631	13,454

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