News
May 16, 2018
The Election is ON!
UPDATE
We are officially in election mode here in Ontario. At FilmOntario we will continue to ensure that our issues are heard throughout the election period. And to make sure you can vote on June 7th, be sure to check out the Elections Ontario website.
2018 Provincial Election Town Hall for the Film and TV Industry
On Thursday, May 24th, FilmOntario will be holding an Election Town Hall on issues of interest to the film and TV industry. Candidates from all parties have been invited, and the event will be moderated by The Globe and Mail’s Kate Taylor.
The Town Hall will run from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, at the Toronto Media Arts Centre at 32 Lisgar. Register for the event now, and feel free to spread the word – this event is open to anyone working in the industry.
Thanks to our friends at the CMPA and the Academy for co-hosting this event.
What to Say to Candidates on Your Doorstep
We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to ask your local candidates how their party will support the screen-based industry in Ontario.
We have prepared a handy one-sheet on the industry size ($1.6 billion! 35,000 jobs!) and the key commitments that FilmOntario is asking for. And stay tuned to the Film Ontario website as we reach out to all the parties to confirm their positions on supporting the industry.
Update on Tax Credit Processing Times
As you know, FilmOntario, through our leadership role on the Minister’s Film and TV Advisory Panel, has been working with the OMDC and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to improve tax credit processing times.
As a result of this work, in the last 6 months of calendar 2017 OMDC instituted a number of operational measures that reduced total processing time for the OFTTC by 11 weeks and the OPSTC by 5 weeks. Both the amount of time that a file waits in the queue and the amount of time that a file spends in analysis were improved. As a result, OMDC was able to clear a large number of tax credit applications from the queue in the last 6 months of last year.
However, new intake of tax credit files in that same time period means that there continues to be a healthy volume of applications in the queue. Reduction of processing times will continue to be a priority for us here at FilmOntario and we hope to see the Advisory Panel continue under a new government, so that we can continue to work on this and other issues that are crucial for our industry’s success.
Call for volunteers!
The AFC - the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry - is looking for volunteers for its annual Big Swing Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Lionhead Golf Club from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The tournament, presented by The AFC and DGC Ontario, brings together entertainment industry members for a fun day of golf in support of The AFC. Through compassionate and confidential support, The AFC helps entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work.
Help support The AFC’s work; email Kevin at Kevin@AFChelps.ca or call 1.877.399.8392 to get involved.