The continuing film tax credit fiasco in Saskatchewan hasn’t left the Canadian indie film Stranded on the rocks, as producer Kevin DeWalt of Minds Eye Entertainment reports the Christian Slater-starring sci-fi thriller is set to start shooting in that province in July.

Indie distributor Cinemavault acquired the international distribution rights and started shopping Stranded, which is directed by Roger Christian, to international buyers at the Cannes Film Festival, but only because the film was well along in pre-production before Saskatchewan replaced its refundable tax credit with a non-refundable incentive of little use to local producers.

“It has been difficult raising financing for movies to be shot in Saskatchewan in the shadow of the current uncertainty surrounding the availability of local filming incentives in Saskatchewan past June 30, 2012,” Stranded producer DeWalt said of the financing of his latest movie.

“We’re fortunate for this one, that the wheels were in motion long before this decision came down. Unfortunately on a go forward basis, this lack of stability and support from the government is chasing away our investors on future projects shot in Saskatchewan,” he added.

The ensemble cast for Stranded includes Amy Matysio, Michael Therriault and Brendan Fehr.

The film will be shot at the Canada Saskatchewan Production Studios in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Stranded follows a mysterious infection that contaminates a space station in the not too distant future.

DeWalt and Mark Montague are producing.

Executive producers are DeWalt, David Cormican and Becki Hui.

Photo: ChristianSlater.com