Robertson calls out premier over troubled film industry

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – He’s happy Vancouver will be hosting the the Times of India Film Awards in a couple of months, but the city’s mayor is calling out BC’s premier to do more for the local film industry.  Gregor Robertson says investments are really needed on both sides of the water.

Robertson was involved in the lead-up and successful bid to secure the big show for April.  And although he’s looking forward to all the exposure our city will have in India, he says the province needs to step up before our film industry becomes extinct.

“The tax cuts that are available in those provinces are compelling for the industry, we need some action taken to ensure BC isn’t being left behind and that Hollywood North continues to thrive.  It’s a huge part of Vancouver’s economy.”

For a few weeks now we’ve been telling you about the tug-of-war between local production studios and the Liberals.  “Lots of jobs here depend on those productions happening so we continue to improve our service and connection with the industry, but the key thing is the BC tax credit and that’s really what has to change,” he adds.

Repeatedly, Premier Christy Clark says the province will not offer any more incentives, saying the $285 million in tax credits offered to studios is generous enough.  There is word the unemployment rate in the local industry is 95 per cent.

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