The film and video tax credit in Manitoba could now cover more than half a production’s labor expenses.

In the March 8 provincial budget, Finance Minister Greg Selinger announced a 10% increase in the province’s film and television tax credit, making Manitoba the latest province to up tax credits after Ontario and Quebec did so in December, with B.C. following suit in January.

‘Investment in the cultural sector generated almost $97 million of production in Manitoba’s film industry last year,’ said Selinger in his budget address.

The credit, which applies to both foreign and domestic shoots, was increased to 45% from 35%. Add to that the 5% frequent-filming bonus and the 5% break for shooting outside the Winnipeg area, both introduced last year, and producers stand to get a tax credit of up to 55%.

Local producer Kim Todd of Winnipeg’s Original Pictures, who also sits on the tax-credit advisory committee, is pleased with the result and nods to Manitoba Film and Sound for the achievement. She says that the amended credits are not likely to increase summer production volumes, but rather are intended to encourage production throughout the year.

‘It’s pretty hard to increase the summer volume because Manitoba has been as busy as it can be in the summer. The hope is that the new tax credit will increase production in the non-summer months,’ she says, adding that MFS is leading an incentive program to encourage winter production in the province.

-www.mbfilmsound.mb.ca