Nova Scotia film tax credit meeting called 'productive and constructive'

A meeting between representatives of Nova Scotia's film and television industry and the provincial Department of Finance about the planned tax credit cut ended on a positive note on Friday.

"It was a frank dialogue, a good exchange of information. We're very pleased there was a lot of time taken to go over the complexities of our business," Marc Almon, the chairman Screen Nova Scotia, said after the four-hour meeting.

"There was a lot of discussion about the fact that we face a highly competitive environment."

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Premier Stephen McNeil agreed progress is being made in talks about a planned cut to the provincial film tax credit. He said there have been a number of discussions about the issue.

"We've been talking about different things over the last couple of days. We'll continue that conversation," he told reporters.

Finance Minister Diana Whalen also said she was impressed with the "spirit of co-operation" during the talks, calling Friday's meeting "productive and constructive."

Meanwhile, Almon said the situation is urgent.

"Time is of the essence. We do need to get this resolved and very quickly," he said.

Neither side went into detail about what was discussed during the meeting, but there are more talks planned for early next week.

The government has said it can't afford what it calls a rich tax break, but actors and producers say the move will gut film and TV production in Nova Scotia.

'What kind of transition is that?'

There was also a final farewell Friday at the Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia. The office shut down in the same budget that cut the film tax credit.

A sign of the confusion that's causing was evident as Book Of Negroes producer Bill Niven showed up looking for a final tax credit cheque.

"The situation here — great folks. We did a project last year. They owe us the last draw down for it," he said.

"This is a serious amount of money. We hired people, put them to work. They still owe us money and we can't get it. What kind of transition is that?"

Niven added the television series was a positive addition to the provincial economy.

"On the Book of Negroes, we brought $5 million into the province and we spent it all here. Tell me that's not good for the province," he said.