For the Manitoba industry, crew training and development continues to be a high priority and is now coordinated by Film Training Manitoba, a project of mmpia, which offers workshops and on-set placements, provides entry-level training, development for existing crew, mentorship programs and subsidizes crew members to attend out-of-province workshops and train in other countries.

Valerie Shantz is heading up Film Training Manitoba.

Over the past 3 years, more than 300 individuals went through mmpia’s training programs and more than 12,000 hours of on-set training has taken place.

Another element to the training strategy involves the National Screen Institute, which has opened an office in the province and is mandated to develop writing, directing and producing talent in the dramatic sector.

Horne says he anticipates developing programs in tandem with nsi to develop above-the-line personnel.

In December, a deeming provision was approved for the 35% Manitoba Film and Video Productions Tax Credit. The clause allows the salary of an out-of-province crew member to be deemed eligible for the tax credit provided that the position cannot be filled by a qualified Manitoba resident and so long as the non-resident supervises the training of a Manitoba resident. The provision is retroactive to April 28, 1998.

For 1998, eligible non-resident salaries are capped at 20% of total eligible Manitoba salaries; for the years following the cap is 20% if at least two Manitoba residents are trained per non-resident or 10% if one Manitoba resident is trained.

The deeming provision is expected to significantly grow the crew base in Manitoba.