Sask. government extends film program deadline

The Saskatchewan governmentis givingapplicants to itssoon-to-be cancelled film subsidy program an extra three months.

On Tuesday, Culture Minister Bill Hutchinson said the deadline for people to apply to the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit program would be extended to June 30, 2012.

Last week, the governmentsaidthe program is costing taxpayers too much and would stop taking applications on March 31.

Even after extending the application deadline, the government still plans to wind the program down completely by the end of 2014.

The program gives tax credits to filmmakers equal to up to 55 per cent of labour costs and has been responsible for attracting movies and TV shows like CornerGas to the province.

However, the governments says by cutting the program, it will save $8 million a year.

But the news touched off a firestorm of outrage within the film industry.Many said losing the tax credit would kill the industry and send skilled workers and their families out of the province.

Hutchinson said the governmenthasn't changed its mind about ending the program, but is now considered other ways to support the local film industry.

The possibilities include the industry taking over the government-owned Sound Stage in Regina.

Another possibility is the development of a new tax rebate program that would help filmmakers who pay taxes in Saskatchewan, he said.