Film Commissions
Film Commissions
Go here to post your Film Commission.
When you film on Vancouver Island, you can take advantage of attractive tax credit schemes from both Federal and Provincial Governments.
Brief Overview of the Film Incentive BC Program (FIBC):
- 33% of qualified BC labour expenditures - basic PSTC tax credit (35% domestic)
- Plus 6% of qualified BC labour expenditures - regional tax credit (12.5% domestic)
- Plus 6% of qualified BC labour expenditures - distant regional tax credit
- Plus 17.5% tax credit for digital animation or visual effects when you post in nearby Vancouver
The Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund provides a grant or rebate to qualified projects. A separate tax credit fund provides refundable tax credits for qualified production.
Additional state incentives include an exemption from state sales tax, as well as an exemption from hotel taxes for stays of 30 days or more in some localities. In most cases, state-owned locations (including an historic backlot) are provided free of charge. The Film Office assists in negotiating other free or low cost locations that have historically resulted in significant savings to productions shooting in the state.
The District of Columbia Film, Television and Entertainment Rebate Fund is administered by the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) subject to the District of Columbia Film Television and Entertainment Fund Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-0081).
The goal of the Film DC Economic Incentive Fund Program is to encourage the use of the District of Columbia as a site for the production of film, television, interactive, and digital video content; support media industry infrastructure projects; and create opportunities for District residents to have access to creative economy jobs.
Subject to the availability of funds, the DC Film Television and Entertainment Rebate Fund may provide an eligible program awardee up to the following:
- The sum of 35% of the company's qualified production expenditures that are subject to taxation in the District;
- The sum of 21% of the company's qualified production expenditures that are not subject to taxation in the District;
- The sum of 30% of the company's qualified personnel expenditures that are subject to taxation in the District;
- The sum of 10% of the company's qualified personnel expenditures that are not subject to taxation in the District;
- The sum of 50% of the company's qualified job training expenditures; and
- The sum of 25% of the company's base infrastructure investment; provided the facility is used for purposes related to media production or postproduction activities.
To qualify, an approved applicant must spend at least $250,000 in the District of Columbia on qualified expenditures, and not be delinquent in any tax obligation owed to the District of Columbia.
Any program applications received on or after March 9, 2016 that are accepted into the program will be governed by the terms of the new law.
Any questions regarding the new law should be directed to the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment Rebate Fund Administration team at FilmDC.Incentive@dc.gov or call (202) 727-6608.