How Do BC Tax Incentives for Film Production Compare with Other Provinces in Canada?

British Columbia (BC) is one of the top destinations for film production in Canada, thanks in large part to its competitive tax incentives. However, other provinces also offer appealing incentives that draw productions across the country. How do BC’s tax incentives stack up against those of other provinces?


BC offers two primary incentives: the Film Incentive BC (FIBC) for Canadian productions and the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) for foreign productions. The FIBC provides up to 35% of eligible labor costs, while the PSTC covers up to 28%, with additional bonuses for shooting in rural areas and using digital animation and visual effects (VFX). These credits are particularly attractive to Hollywood studios and international productions.


In comparison, Ontario offers a 35% tax credit on labor for both domestic and foreign productions, with additional credits for post-production work and filming outside Toronto. Ontario's diverse urban and rural landscapes make it a strong competitor to BC, especially for productions looking for metropolitan settings.


Quebec, known for its generous support of the arts, offers a 37.5% refundable labor tax credit, plus a 20% credit on production services. It also has substantial credits for VFX work, similar to BC, making it another hub for VFX-heavy projects.


While Manitoba offers one of the highest rates at 65% on local labor and a 30% incentive for production outside Winnipeg, BC's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proximity to Hollywood often give it an edge over other provinces.


Overall, while other provinces may offer higher tax rates in specific areas, BC's combination of incentives, talent, and infrastructure makes it a consistently attractive choice for filmmakers.

Chris Sturges, Business Development Director for Suspiciously Convenient Productions Inc

Tags: #Film Industry #Local Business #Vancouver #Vancouver Films