Screen Nova Scotia has requested an emergency meeting with Premier Stephen McNeil to discuss an unfolding crisis in the province’s film industry. This follows Thursday afternoon’s announcement of the impending closure of two key industry suppliers: PS Atlantic and SIM Digital. Both companies are cornerstones of the screen industries in Nova Scotia, and are a critical part of the industry’s infrastructure.



“This is a devastating blow,” says Marc Almon, Chair of Screen Nova Scotia. “As many people know, the industry is going through a terrible year. The sudden and unexpected elimination of the Film Tax Credit back in April has had major repercussions. Business is down sharply, and investor confidence in Nova Scotia’s film industry has been shaken. We’re asking for the province’s political leadership to acknowledge the problem is real, and to help us to fix it.”



PS Atlantic and SIM Digital have been providing production services to film and television projects in Nova Scotia since 1987. As the province’s film industry has grown, so have they. Company officials have confirmed that the shutdown is directly linked to the elimination of the film and TV tax credit earlier this year. They also note that two other cities in which they operate – Toronto and Vancouver – are having record-breaking years.



Almon says: “Let’s cut to the chase: Nova Scotia’s film industry is in big trouble. We will continue to work with Nova Scotia Business Inc as they implement the new Film Incentive Fund, but much more needs to be done. Individual film workers are leaving town. Now entire companies are closing their doors. We are asking the premier to step up, admit there’s a problem, and show some real leadership before it’s too late.”



Screen Nova Scotia has told the Premier in a letter sent this afternoon that it stands ready to meet with him and his officials at a moment’s notice. We will keep our members updated as this story develops.



Sincerely,



The Board of Screen Nova Scotia