SMPIA calls for cabinet minister to be removed

The Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association today called upon Premier Brad Wall to remove Bill Hutchinson as the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and replace him with someone who has a better understanding of the film, TV and digital industry.

“The actions of this Minister have brought a $50 million annual industry to the brink of disaster. He has consistently ignored our concerns and brought forward a program that will not work. We respectfully ask the Premier of Saskatchewan to remove this Minister and replace him with an individual that understands the issues and will help us develop a program that will work for the industry,” said Ron Goetz.

During the recent provincial budget, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the elimination of funding to the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit, which has supported the growth and development of the film and digital media industry in the province. Since that announcement the industry has been working to develop a new incentive program that will enable the industry to remain competitive. 

The industry presented a draft plan to the Minister with the intention of working with the government to develop a new incentive program. The following day the Minister announced a program that was not endorsed by the industry and has a significant flaw that makes it unworkable. The program contains a non-refundable tax credit and the industry requires a refundable tax credit. 

“This program will simply not work and the manner in which it was released makes it very difficult for our industry to work with the current Minister. It would best serve the people of Saskatchewan if a new Minister with a better understanding of our industry were named to help us create a program that will keep our industry in Saskatchewan,” said Goetz.

He added there is still time for the government to develop a program that will keep the industry alive in Saskatchewan, but the longer this process takes, the more difficult it becomes for the industry to attract outside investment.

For more information contact Ron Goetz at (306) 525-6361. 

SMPIA responds to quotes from the Honorable BillHutchinson, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport.

Financial Model Examples of FDTC 

Ernst & Young Study: Evaluating the effectiveness of state film tax credit programs

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The Majority of the Saskatchewan Public Supports the Film, Video and Digital Media Industry

SMPIA releases poll showing almost 75% of Saskatchewan residents believe that film and television is important to Saskatchewan and a similar number expressed support for implementing an incentive program close in size to the one that was eliminated.

Read the Leaderpost story on the poll here:

See the actual poll here.

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Show your support for the film, video and digital media industry

The Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) is inviting you to attend the "Made in Saskatchewan" Film Night and the Culture Cruise and Rally of Support for the industry. 

The event begins on Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon with a “Made in Saskatchewan” Film Night. Join Saskatchewan's Kim Coates (star of Sons of Anarchy) and SMPIA President Ron Goetz as they celebrate Saskatchewan productions such as Neighbors Dog, Bannock Boys, Interpersonalities, Rabbit Fall, Wapos Bay, The Side Show Christmas, and Rescurrection SK. Admission is free or by donation.

The Culture Cruise will take place at Kinsmen Park in Saskatoon starting on Monday, May 14 at 7 a.m. Kim Coates will be on site and there will be a free pancake breakfast and yoga before participants drive to Regina. The Culture Cruise will drive through downtown Saskatoon at around 8 a.m. and then pass through Dundurn and arrive in Regina at the Canada Saskatchewan Production Studio around 11:30 a.m. People are encouraged to drive, motorbike or bring their classic cars all the way to Regina or as far as Dundurn.

The film and video industry needs your support! This is your opportunity make a difference.

For more information, contact Teresa Mead at (306) 241-5018.

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Saskatchewan media production industry reacts to Government’s Plan

The Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) is expressing its concern about how the Provincial Government’s new Film/TV and Digital Tax Credit (FTDC) will be funded.

“In our proposal to the government, we recommended that the government consider a refundable tax credit on all production expenses, including labour costs. This new plan is based upon a non-refundable tax credit program, which has not been successful in other jurisdictions. In fact, Saskatchewan’s program would be the only one in Canada that is not based on refundable tax credits,” said Ron Goetz, SMPIA President.

Goetz said he appreciated the government’s interest in SMPIA’s proposal, and he is looking forward to hearing from the government about the details of how a non-refundable tax credit program will be administered. It is a key aspect of the government’s plan and the details must be clear before the industry provides its support.

SMPIA approached the government earlier this week with a proposal to develop a new film, television and creative interactive media production program in the province. This proposal was developed after significant research and development by industry professionals, who consulted with national leaders in the interactive media and film and television industry to create an innovative model to make Saskatchewan an industry leader.

“There are several unanswered questions about the government’s new plan, but we look forward to continue working with the government to ensure it will meet the needs of our industry,” said Goetz.

He also thanked the public for their support of the media production industry in Saskatchewan and its efforts to create a new incentive program.

For more information contact Ron Goetz at (306) 525-6361. 

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Social Media Campaign

The Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) is kicking its social media campaign into high gear to celebrate Saskatchewan’s film and digital media industry.

Throughout the month of May, SMPIA’s Facebook page, Twitter account and website will promote the successes and achievements of Saskatchewan’s film and digital media productions, crews, actors, writers and filmmakers. This celebration of Saskatchewan’s film and digital media industry is part of SMPIA’s efforts to work with the provincial government to establish a new incentive program for the province’s film and digital media industry.

“Saskatchewan needs a new incentive program,” says Ron Goetz, SMPIA’s President. “Our province is home to a wealth of talent, and we do not want to see that talent leaving Saskatchewan in search of work in other provinces. We want our people to stay here and continue to share their incredible stories and talents with Saskatchewan and the world.”

The social media sites will also keep viewers up-to-date on all of the latest campaign information, events and activities that are designed to show support for the industry and the development of a new incentive program in Saskatchewan.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can help celebrate Saskatchewan’s film, television and digital media industry:

- join in the discussion via Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/SMPIAOffice

- share our boards on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/smpia

- visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanMediaProductionIndustryAssociation

- check out SMPIA’s new campaign website, www.FilmTVSask.com

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Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon Screens Sequel to a Canadian Cult Classic 

The Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon will be screening Hard Core Logo II, a sequel to the 90’s cult classic film Hard Core Logo, this week. The film was shot primarily in Watrous and Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan and is directed by iconic Canadian indie filmmaker, Bruce McDonald. The documentary-style film follows the recording process of Die Mannequin and Care Failure, the band’s edgy lead singer who claims to be possessed by the spirit of Joe Dick, a punk rock singer who took his own life in the original film.

Prior to the screening events, volunteers will be asking members of the audience to sign a petition in favour of the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA) working with the provincial government to develop a new incentive program to support the Saskatchewan film and digital media industry. 

“The loss of an incentive program will have a negative impact on the province’s film and digital media industry,” says Holly Baird, with Trilight Entertainment and Producer of Hard Core Logo II. “Producers and directors will be forced to relocate to other provinces and Saskatchewan will lose out on the revenue that is generated through movie productions, such as Hard Core Logo II. I encourage people to come out to sign the petition and show their support for our industry.”

Tickets to the show are $7 for Broadway Theatre members, $10 for non-members, and $5 for children 12 and under.

The media and public are invited to attend the screening events, which will take place at:

9:00 p.m.

Monday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 2, 2012

AND

7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Broadway Theatre

715 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon

For more information, contact Holly Baird at (306) 529-7880.

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Celebrating Saskatchewan Film Students

Fourth year students from the University of Regina’s Media Production and Studies Department are celebrating their pending convocations with the release of their student film projects this Friday and Saturday at the Artesian on 13th Theatre.  A reception will take place following the Saturday evening screenings.

Unfortunately, although this is a time of celebration, it is also a time of concern as students worry about how the elimination of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit will impact their future employment opportunities in the province’s film and digital media industry.

“Without a new incentive program, there will be no employment opportunities for film and media graduates in Saskatchewan, and we will be forced to leave the province to find work,” said Allan Roecher, University of Regina film student.

The media and the public are invited to attend the screenings and a reception to help honour and support our future filmmakers of Saskatchewan. The admission fee is a donation to Saskfilm Camp 2012, an annual summer camp that teaches filmmaking skills to youth between the ages of 13 and 17.

The events will take place on:

Film Screenings: Friday, April 27, 2012 
Film Screenings and Reception:Saturday, April 28, 2012

Location and Times:Artesian on 13th Theatre13th Avenue, Regina
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.Screenings start at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Danielle Masters at (306) 596-0465 or email daniellemasters@mac.com

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"Money Card” Campaign Launched by Workers in the Saskatchewan Film and Digital Media Industry

April 24, 2012 - Individuals employed by Saskatchewan’s film and digital media industry will be taking part in a “Money Card” Campaign from April 24 to May 1 in Regina and Saskatoon to raise awareness about the industry’s importance to Saskatchewan’s booming economy. Workers will distribute cards that say “I earned this money working in the film industry” to companies they conduct business with throughout the course of the week long campaign.

“We think that it is important for the business community in Saskatchewan to understand the impact the film and digital media industry has on the province’s economy and their bottom line,” says Ron Goetz, President of the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). “Our industry generates significant economic returns for the province, and our members are proud supporters of local communities and businesses in Saskatchewan.”

The “Money Card” Campaign is part of the SMPIA’s work to raise awareness about the film and digital media industry in Saskatchewan and to gain support for a new provincial incentive program for the industry to ensure that it remains a strong and viable competitor on the world stage.

For more information, contact Pat Rediger at (306) 522-9326 or email prediger@benchmarkpr.ca.

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Saskatchewan Film & Digital Media Supporters Launch Petition Campaign in Regina & Saskatoon

Supporters of Saskatchewan’s film and digital media industry will be travelling door to door this weekend in Regina and Saskatoon to collect signatures for a petition asking the provincial government to introduce a new incentive program for the industry. This new incentive program will help ensure that movie and television productions continue to take place in the province, rather than in other parts of Canada or around the world where incentive programs are still available.

“For every dollar spent on Saskatchewan’s film and digital media industry, six dollars are returned to the province’s economy through expenditures such as accommodations, meals, taxes, set and costume building materials, vehicle and equipment rentals, the hiring of local crews and actors, and other production costs,” says Ron Goetz, President of the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). “Our film and digital media industry is vital to Saskatchewan’s continued growth, and we hope to work with the provincial government to establish a new incentive program that will benefit both the industry and the province for years to come.”

Volunteers will be going door to door in Regina from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20; from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21; and from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23. In Saskatoon, the campaign will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.

Individuals are also encouraged to sign the petition, which is available at these supporting business locations – Unreal City, Turning the Tide and Collective Coffee in Saskatoon and O’Hanlon’s and the 13th Avenue Coffeehouse in Regina.

For more information contact Pat Rediger at (306) 522-9326 or email prediger@benchmarkpr.ca 

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SMPIA's 2012-2013 Board of Directors Announced! 

SMPIA would like to thank everyone who joined us for our 2012 Annual General Meeting and Dinner. 

We are pleased to announce our 2012-2013 Board of Directors:

President: 
Ron Goetz – Executive Producer/Executive Vice-President, Partners in Motion 

Directors:
Holly Baird - Producer, Trilight Entertainment 
Rhonda Baker - Producer, RGB Productions
Jeff Beesley – Director
Mike Burns – Saskatchewan Branch Representative, ACTRA
Kevin DeWalt - CEO/Producer, Minds Eye Entertainment
Annelise Larson –  Digital Media Marketer, Veria Search Media Marketing
Terry Mialkowsky – Producer, Prairie Threat Entertainment
Dwayne Melcher – President & Partner, Melcher Media & Design
Ell McEachern – Director, Finance and Production, Angel Entertainment
Shawn McGrath – Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Verite Films
Shayne Putzlocher - Producer, Trilight Entertainment
Debra Sawarin - Business Representative, IATSE 295
Bruce Willis - Partner, KPMG LLP

Special thanks to our AGM sponsors

Dinner Sponsors

Coffee Sponsor

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SMPIA's Multi-PlatFORUM - Another successful event!

SMPIA's Multi-PlatFORUM was a two-day networking and professional development event focusing on Digital Content creation from both creative and business perspectives. Multi-PlatFORUM 2012 was held March 27th-28th in Regina, and featured an impressive list of Digital Media leaders from across the country who can to connect with Saskatchewan creators for an inspirational 2 days.

Participants included:

• Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Canada Media Fund
• Francesca Accinelli, Director English Market (CMF Program Administrator), Telefilm Canada
• Cory Generoux, Producer, National Film Board of Canada
• Ryan FitzGerald, Transmedia Specialist/Community Manager, Celtx
• Wally Start, Producer, Angel Entertainment
• Peter Kucherepa, Trade Commissioner - ICT, Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
• Rob McLaughlin, Deputy Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Regina Leader-Post & Saskatoon StarPhoenix
• Emily Claire Afan, Director Development & Communications, CIAIC
• Rob Bartel, Associate Producer, Bioware ULC
• Sasha Boersma, Business Analyst & Producer: Interactive, Convergent, Games
• Norm Bolen, President and CEO, CMPA
• Kevin Franco, Chief Creative Officer, Francomedia.com
• Zach Feldberg, Manager, Dramatics and Factual Digital Media, Shaw Media
• Alex Mayhew, Creative Director, The Labs
• Lisanne Pajot & James Swirsky, Co-Directors/Producers, IndieGame: The Movie
• Matt Toner, President, Zeros 2 Heroes Media
• Amy Matysio, Actor/Writer
• Richard Gustin, Manager of Production, Bluepoint Broadcasting Group Inc.
• David Callele, Manager Sk Business Development, TR Labs
• Ryan Lejbak, CEO, zu
• J.C. Hutchins, Transmedia Storyteller
• Michael Steinberg, Executive Producer, Thread Branded

The afternoon of March 28th, Multi-PlatFORUM played host to The Banff Cross-Media Pitch Competition where local cross-media creators competed for a chance to present their projects at the Banff World Media Festival in June.   The competition was moderated by local actress Amy Matysio and the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Board, David Kyle was on hand to announce the winners.  In a tight race,  the team comprised of CollegeMobile & Wapos Bay Productions as well as the team of  T3 Digital & Karma Film were selected by the judges to accompany SMPIA as part of the delegation to Banff.  Other Local companies presenting included: Partners in Motion, NoodleCake Studios Inc, Alvil Tayco, KAR Media,  The conference Funding for the Banff Cross-Media Delegation is provided by a Culture on the Go: Market Access Grant through the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

The evening of March 27th included a sit-down Dinner followed by a Reception that showcased Transmedia production prototypes resulting from the work of SMPIA’s Digital Media Initiative program.  Participants included members of IATSE, DGC, ACTRA, SaskInteractive, SPMA, Paved Arts, Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative and more! The lab was undertaken by SMPIA with the financial participation of SaskCulture and SaskFilm.

Multi-PlatFORUM programming ran in conjunction with SMPIA's Annual General Meeting where in reflection of the fact that 1/3  of our membership is now comprised of interactive programmers, developers, social media professionals etc, the membership voted to change our name to the "Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association" and secure two dedicated interactive positions on the board.  Members Annelise Larson (Veria Tweet) and Dwayne Melcher (Melcher Media) will fill these positions.  It was also announced that for the first time, SMPIA's Showcase Awards and SaskInteractive's SIMA awards would be held in partnership.  The event will occur on November 22nd in Regina.

Big thanks to our Multi-PlatFORUM and AGM sponsors and supporters!

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March 29, 2012- A Message from SMPIA’s President:

Last Wednesday was a defining moment in the history of the film industry in Saskatchewan. The message from the budget was the winding up of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit. Countless productions over the last 14 years have used this tax credit to finance their projects. Without a tax credit it would be impossible to be competitive in the production world.

We all felt a sense of betrayal and shock at this announcement which was followed by the question "what do we do now". The board of SMPIA was immediately consumed by trying to find answers to the questions "why now" and "what can we do about it". The public support was swift and the media support was amazing. Our issue became a public issue and we benefited from that public support.  

Last Friday morning I requested a meeting with the Premier and was told that we could expect a meeting early this week. On Monday of this week a meeting was arranged between the President of SMPIA and the Premier of Saskatchewan as well as other national industry leaders. The meeting, while productive, was tense and frank but it was clear that this Government will not return to the tax credit that was eliminated in the budget. We explained that the decision would create significant hardship for this industry and at minimum that an extension needed to be granted to save the current season and give us time to find a new funding strategy. The Premier also responded that while he did support the industry he wanted something that was sustainable. 

Yesterday, I received notice that the tax credit application deadline would be extended until June 30 and that there was a desire to find a new funding program for the industry. There was a desire to look beyond just another tax credit model but a more comprehensive plan that would include industry control of the sound stage, non-refundable tax credits, SaskFilm and other issues. This extension helped two fold.  First to give us breathing room to work on a new plan for our industry and second to ensure that as much of this year’s production season could be realized. 

The opportunity is now ours. We can be wise and work with the government to work towards a plan that will build a long standing Saskatchewan Industry. The alternative is to be angry and to fight for the return of a tax credit that no longer is available to us. It is my hope that each member of our community will support the Board of SMPIA as they strategically move forward to find a new model of success for the growth and sustainability of this industry.

I would also ask that you give the board the time to organize a structure to work through the concepts.  It is our promise that any funding models that will be presented to the Ministry will first be presented to the general membership of SMPIA. I would also ask that you allow the organization to lead on this issue and that all other activities be coordinated through the board and eventually to the committees that will be structured with your help. One should consider the value of any individual action and whether it brings us closer to the successful conclusion of our goal or draws negative attention creating unwanted setbacks. It is vital that we do not work at cross purposes. 

The board of SMPIA understands your frustration and the need to take action now. If our industry ever needed to show discipline and unity, that time is now. I would please ask you to respect the work that's been done to this point and the future work of the board. If you have concerns or you feel things are not going the way they should, I ask that you call me or a board member to discuss this with you. 

Thanks you all for your support,

Ron Goetz
President, SMPIA 

For more information on how you can help, visit: http://www.smpia.sk.ca/about-us/advocacy.htm

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SMPIA Gets New Name

Regina, SK – SMPIA is pleased to announce that their membership ratified a change of the organization’s name to Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association at their annual general meeting today.  This change comes about to properly reflect the organization’s membership and to match the name to the content it values.  “SMPIA always intended for “motion picture” to mean all media that is in motion, however the new name really reflects that now.” said Ron Goetz, President.

“SMPIA has led the charge in promoting digital media creative content in Saskatchewan by offering professional development events such as the Multi-PlatFORUM 2012 that is taking place at the Ramada this week and we will continue to do so.” Offered Vanessa Bonk, Executive Director of SMPIA

Saskatchewan has a rich and diverse interactive community with a history of international excellence. Video games, mobile applications and innovative software created by programmers, designers and developers right here at home grab the attention of international audiences and customers on and offline every day. Saskatchewan interactive media sector revenues in 2009 totaled $66.8 million, and the sector employed 700 people.

For more information contact:

Vanessa Bonk, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA)
Phone: 306-525-4583
Email: vanessa@smpia.sk.ca
www.smpia.sk.ca 

About SMPIA
SMPIA represents members of the film, television and digital media industry of Saskatchewan through communication, education and advocacy. Their vision is to champion a world-class, production-friendly environment where members of the Saskatchewan media production industry flourish. www.smpia.sk.ca

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EXTENSION OF TAX CREDIT GOOD NEWS FOR UPCOMING PRODUCTION YEAR

Regina, SK – SMPIA is encouraged by yesterday’s announcement by government that the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC) will been extended until June 30, 2012.   “This should help producers begin the financing cycle for the 2012 production year.  It means that Saskatchewan producers will be able to produce in their province in the upcoming season.” commented Ron Goetz, President of SMPIA.

In a recent meeting with Premier Brad Wall, industry representatives were offered the opportunity to work with the government to look at alternative ways to support the film industry.  “This first step by the government to work with us is positive and we are pleased that they are willing to put the time and energy into looking into options that support the film and television models that are used Canada-wide.” remarked Mr. Goetz.  “The industry is aware that the solutions we are both seeking are not easy ones, and much hard work remains. The Premier’s commitment to work with us to achieve a viable media production industry in Saskatchewan is appreciated.” he added.

Last week the film industry was surprised to learn that a crucial piece to the way film and television is produced in Canada would no longer be available to Saskatchewan residents.  The industry is responsible for $685 million in revenues since the inception of the SFETC with an average of 74% of that money being invested from outside the province.

For more information contact:

Vanessa Bonk, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA)
Phone: 306-525-4583
Email: vanessa@smpia.sk.ca
www.smpia.sk.ca 

About SMPIA
SMPIA represents members of the film, television and digital media industry of Saskatchewan through communication, education and advocacy. Their vision is to champion a world-class, production-friendly environment where members of the Saskatchewan media production industry flourish. www.smpia.sk.ca

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SMPIA MEETS WITH PREMIER ON FILM TAX CREDIT CUT

Regina, SK – SMPIA is disappointed to announce that in a meeting between Premier Brad Wall and Ron Goetz (President of SMPIA), Val Creighton (President & CEO, Canada Media Fund), Norm Bolen (President & CEO, Canadian Media Producers Association) and Vanessa Bonk (Executive Director, SMPIA) we have learned that the government is not prepared to back down on the announcement regarding the SFETC (Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit).  “The meeting was a long and good discussion, and we have been told that government is open to discussing new alternatives for the film industry at a later date, but that they will not reverse their decision.” said Ron Goetz, President of SMPIA and Executive Producer of Partners in Motion production company.

The government also indicated that they would try to extend the application deadline to apply for the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit beyond the original March 31^st, 2012 end date.

 “By retracting themselves, the Saskatchewan government will not change the production tax credit ecosystem in Canada,” said Norm Bolen, President & CEO, Canadian Media Production Association, “rather they will suffer the consequences of not being part of it.”

“This government has always made good decisions in the past.  I cannot understand why they would do this when obviously the public is supportive of the industry and the SFETC.” added Mr. Goetz.

The SFETC has been in effect since 1998 and has helped the Film Industry produce $685 Million worth of production since its inception according to national reports.  The industry is responsible for job creation, retention of Saskatchewan youth and inward investment to the province.

For more information contact:
Vanessa Bonk, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA)
Phone: 306-525-4583.
Email: vanessa@smpia.sk.ca
www.smpia.sk.ca

About SMPIA
SMPIA represents members of the film, television and digital media industry of Saskatchewan through communication, education and advocacy. Their vision is to champion a world-class, production-friendly environment where members of the Saskatchewan media production industry flourish. www.smpia.sk.ca

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A message from SMPIA's President

Things were starting to turn around.  SCN had rallied somewhat and had resumed licensing.  SaskFilm had received an extra $100k for marketing.  Production volumes hadn’t returned to their previous heights, but things were starting to pick up.  Behind the scenes SMPIA worked to advocate for the industry.  Just a few weeks ago, I sat in the minister’s office with fellow board member Holly Baird to yet again speak on behalf of us all.  His response was to have his staff immediately contact SaskFilm for statistics for the final cabinet meeting on the budget which was to take place the next day.  We left believing our message would be passed on.

This morning I woke to the realization that the budget news we got yesterday is an opportunity for the people of Saskatchewan to express how important the film industry is to them.  An opportunity for the government to receive heartfelt messages of how the film industry has positively affected the lives of Saskatchewan people from the student getting a film degree at the University of Regina to the many, many everyday Saskatchewan people who understand the importance of jobs, investment, promotion, culture and creative expression.

SMPIA is busy working with an Action Committee but there are some things that you can do right now:

Option #1:  Volunteer to be a Team Captain who will give some hours to organize letter deliveries, make phone calls, update social media, organise other advocacy efforts.  Contact the SMPIA office:  Vanessa@smpia.sk.ca

Option #2:  Tweet, tweet and tweet some more.  To reach the Premier:  @PremierBradWall

Option #3:  Below is a template for a letter to the Premier – SMPIA will get it to the legislative for you, just add a personal sentence and your name and email it back.  We are looking to have as many physical letters of support delivered as possible before next Thursday when the budget is voted on.

Option #4:  Get your personal story to media.  If you want to add your comments to the many that have made the media – write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper telling them why the film industry is important to you.

We will get our message to the Premier!

Ron Goetz,
President of SMPIA

More information and facts are available here

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What can you do to help? Get loud and get your friends and family to get loud.  Please tell the Premier directly how you feel.

Here is a sample letter that you can personalize. Letter template 

Please send physical letters (as they are tracked) to:

The Honourable Brad Wall
Premier of Saskatchewan
226 Legislative Building
Regina, Saskatchewan
CANADA S4S 0B3

Telephone: (306) 787-9433
Facsimile: (306) 787-0885
E-mail: premier@gov.sk.ca

and/or

233 Central Ave. N., Swift Current, S9H 0L3. 

You can also send a copy by email to: bwall@mla.legassembly.sk.ca and/or tweet him @PremierBradWall

And c.c. the opposition - Danielle Chartier Saskatoon Riversdale, Constituency Office, 1030 Avenue L South, Saskatoon, SK S7M 2J5 Email: riversdale@ndpcaucus.sk.ca 

MISINFORMATION LEADS TO THE END OF THE SASKATCHEWAN FILM EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

March 21, 2012 – Regina, Saskatchewan  As part of the provincial budget address, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the termination of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit program.  This decision leaves Saskatchewan as the only province in Canada without the tools in which to effectively compete nationally and internationally for film and television production.  The Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA) believes this decision was based on poor information provided to the government.

“Governments generally make good decisions,” says Ron Goetz, President - Partners In Motion and President of SMPIA, “but their decisions are only as good as the information they receive and we feel they were misinformed about the strength of the tax credit system prior to making this cut.”

Created in 1989 by the Devine government, SaskFilm was a response to a need identified by SMPIA and its industry members to ensure that the province was represented as a region in which to undertake production of both cultural and economically driven production.    Following extensive consultation and comparative analysis, in 1992, the provincial government announced the creation of the Film Employment Tax Credit which provided an incentive for employment of Saskatchewan residents and a tool to attract inward investment.

Long seen as a catalyst for the creation of cultural employment and inward investment, the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit was integral in the development and production of series such as Corner Gas and Little Mosque on the Prairies.  Stars such as Charlize Theron (Monster), Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern) and Corbin Bernsen (LA Law) and Saskatchewan’s own Kim Coats (Resident Evil, Sons of Anarchy) praised the province of Saskatchewan on late night television as a place to be and to film.

“Quite frankly, without the tax incentive program the province will be seen as an irrelevant location and production will not take place,” says Vanessa Bonk, Executive Director of SMPIA.  “The production volumes of over $623 million since inception resulted in an immense amount of inward investment of, on average 74%, and considerable employment, which will all cease to exist.  Should the government proceed with this decision, rebuilding to provide both cultural and economic impacts is unimaginable.”

Included in the many benefits the industry communicates itself as providing, is the impact that film and television brings to related cultural industries including theatre, music and publishing.  Without a strong and vibrant film and television industry, impacts will be surely be felt within the other creative industries.

Despite overcoming geographic obstacles, the industry presented itself as a business partner to a global audience and undertook international co-productions with countries such as, but not limited to, the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and China and provided an environment in which the Canadian broadcasters could provide programming to a national audience.   The announcement today by the Wall government will ensure that Saskatchewan is no longer provided this opportunity.

“This announcement will trigger a complete out-migration of talent from the province of Saskatchewan,” says Goetz.  “As the Chair of the Film Task Force, I grieve the decision made today and need to emphasis the grave impact that this decision will have on the industry and on the provinces ability to deliver on the cultural policy that it implemented only a short two years ago.  I hope we are able to work with this government to correct this error”

About SMPIA

SMPIA represents members of the film, television and digital media industry of Saskatchewan through communication, education and advocacy. Their vision is to champion a world-class, production-friendly environment where members of the Saskatchewan media production industry flourish. www.smpia.sk.ca

About SaskFilm

SaskFilm and Video Development Corporation (SaskFilm) leads the success of the Saskatchewan Film and television industry through promotion and the provision of specialized services to help the industry flourish and contribute to pride of place.  SaskFilm was established to stimulate and foster the development of an indigenous film and television industry through the administration of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit Program: management of the state of the art Canada Saskatchewan Production Studios; and by developing, producing and distributing film and television productions

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Contact:

Vanessa Bonk
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA)
Phone:306-525-4583
Email: vanessa@smpia.sk.ca

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CMF's Valerie Creighton in town to discuss the Canadian Content Expansion Project

Join us on March 28th at 2:45pm for an important presentation on the findings of the Canadian Content Expansion Project - a joint partnership between Telefilm and the Canada Media Fund.

The Canadian Content Expansion Project is an exploration and discussion of ways and means by which the CMF and Telefilm can work with the film, television and digital media industry to more aggressively position Canadian content at home and in the world.

Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, has been leading this project for the last year on behalf of both agencies. She will provide a presentation on the findings from the year and the opportunities to work with provincial agencies and governments.

This presentation will be held as part of SMPIA’s Multi-PlatFORUM, Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre, 1818 Victoria Avenue in Regina.

Multi-PlatFORUM is a two-day networking and professional development event focusing on Digital Content creation from both creative and business perspectives.  Multi-PlatFORUM 2012 is held in conjunction with SMPIA’s AGM and will once again feature an impressive list of Digital Media leaders from across the country.  Join us March 27-28th for the event where Saskatchewan's content creators for all screens converge!

For more information visit:
 http://www.smpia.sk.ca/news-events/multi-platforum-2012.htm

SMPIA ANNOUNCES TEAMS COMPETING FOR 
BANFF CROSS-MEDIA DELEGATION!

Regina, SK – The Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA) is excited to announce that the following teams and their projects have been selected to compete in the Banff Cross-Media Pitch Competition at Multi-PlatFORUM 2012.

• NoodleCake Games & Partners in Motion – “How I Died”
• Alvil Tayco & KAR Media - "A Buggin’ World"
• CollegeMobile & Wapos Bay Productions – “Wapos Bay: Self Improvement”
• T3 Digital Productions & Karma Film – “Your Lupine Life”

These projects will be presented on March 28th at the Multi-PlatFORUM conference in Regina.  Judging the competition will be Canadian Media Production Association President and former content executive Norm Bolen, Shaw Media digital production executive, Zach Feldberg, and convergent content business analyst, Sasha Boersma. 

Two project teams, each comprised of one Film/TV company representative and one Interactive company representative, will be selected by the jury to be part of SMPIA-led delegation to the Banff World Media Festival in June.

SMPIA will be shining a spotlight on Saskatchewan interactive and traditional media partnerships at the Banff World Media Festival June 10-13^th, 2012 thanks to a Culture on Go: Market Access Grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.  Members of the official delegation will join SMPIA to showcase their works as well as meet with creators and investors as part of the official Banff Festival program.

Serving as the stage for the pitch competition, SMPIA's Multi-PlatFORUM is a two-day networking and professional development event focusing on Digital Content creation from both creative and business perspectives. Multi-PlatFORUM 2012 will be held March 27th-28th in Regina, and will feature an impressive list of Digital Media leaders from across the country.  More information on Multi-PlatFORUM is available here: http://www.smpia.sk.ca/news-events/multi-platforum-2012.htm

For more information, contact:

Nova Alberts
Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA)
Ph: 306-565-2002
E: nova@smpia.sk.ca 

About SMPIA
SMPIA represents members of the film, television and digital media industry of Saskatchewan through communication, education and advocacy. Their vision is to champion a world-class, production-friendly environment where members of the Saskatchewan media production industry flourish. http://www.smpia.sk.ca 

About the Saskatchewan Arts Board
The Saskatchewan Arts Board serves the people of Saskatchewan through programs, services and partnerships designed to build a strong and vibrant arts sector.  Culture on the Go: Market Access is an opportunity for organizations (Creative Industry Sector Organizations, presenting theatres, companies and producers) in support of new strategic marketplace development projects. Culture on the Go is made possible through funding provided to the Saskatchewan Arts Board by the Government of Saskatchewan through the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. http://www.artsboard.sk.ca 

About the Banff World Media Festival
For over three decades, the Banff World Media Festival has brought top leaders from across the evolving media landscape to the heart of the Canadian Rockies for a totally unique experience. Attracting over 150 Development Executives and a wide-ranging cross-section of TV and digital media professionals from around the world, BANFF is the ideal place to make new contacts, find production partners and green-light new projects. http://banffmediafestival.com