Animated film and television productions will get government support through an animation stream within the Digital Media Tax Credit, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board Diana Whalen announced today, May 6.

“We had very productive discussions with the animation industry, and they told us they fit well in the Digital Media Tax Credit,” Ms.

Whalen said. “I want to thank them for their input and for better understanding the financial situation of the province.”

The new stream will give animation productions an additional 25 per cent for eligible animation labour on top of the existing digital credit, which is capped at 25 per cent of Nova Scotia production costs. If the production is done by Nova Scotia firms, an additional two per cent is added. There will be a maximum for individual salary levels that are eligible for the credit. The details of the credit for the animation incentive are being developed in regulation with input from industry. The regulations will be in place by July 1.

Animation is currently supported by the Film Industry Tax Credit, which will be replaced by the Film and Television Production Incentive Fund on July 1. The new fund will be transparent and competitive with the rest of Canada.

Adding animation to the Digital Media Tax Credit will not affect the interactive media provisions of the credit.

For more information, see the Department of Finance and Treasury Board website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .

Source: Release