Film Incentive BC Tax Credit
BC, Canada
Tax credit for BC film, television, animation and visual effects production
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Tax Credits
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Creative BC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Canadian-controlled production companies can get a tax credit, starting at 35%, for labour costs incurred in British Columbia during film, television, digital animation and visual effects production.
grant_single_labels|projects
To be eligible for the Film Incentive BC (FIBC), production companies must have a permanent establishment in British Columbia, Canada. This location requirement supports the local creative economy and aligns efforts with regional economic development strategies.
- Companies with a permanent establishment in British Columbia, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$420,000
Vancouver
Developing a digital animation series for children, focused on educational content
$630,000
Kelowna
Creating a virtual reality (VR) experience to explore Canadian history
$770,000
Richmond
Creating a video game based on Canadian mythology and folklore
$525,000
Surrey
Producing a documentary series on the sustainable practices of local Canadian farmers
$700,000
Burnaby
Developing a television series about the diverse culinary traditions in Canada
$875,000
Victoria
Producing a feature film highlighting the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Film Incentive BC (FIBC) tax credits requires specific conditions to be met by the production corporation.
- The applicant must be a Canadian owned and controlled production corporation.
- The corporation must have a permanent establishment in British Columbia.
- The production must be a film, television, digital animation, or visual effects production taking place in British Columbia.
- The corporation must apply to Creative BC to receive an eligibility and completion certificate for the production.
- Eligible production costs must include BC labour costs.
- The corporation must file a corporate income tax return along with the certificates with the Canada Revenue Agency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Film Incentive BC (FIBC) tax credit is available to Canadian-owned and controlled production corporations that have a permanent establishment in British Columbia. Eligible productions include film, television, digital animation, and visual effects projects that meet the certification requirements set by Creative BC. Only productions that have their principal photography start date aligned with the specified timeframes and criteria in the FIBC program guidelines are eligible to apply. Additionally, these corporations must have Canadian-controlled status and be involved in eligible productions where a significant portion of labour costs are incurred in B.C. for activities such as scriptwriting, animation, post-production, training, and filming.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the provided information, there are no specific industries or types of companies explicitly excluded from eligibility for the Film Incentive BC (FIBC) grant. The guidelines do not outline particular restrictions related to the status or main activity of a company; thus, no eligible exclusions have been detailed.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports Canadian controlled production companies engaged in film, television, digital animation, and visual effects production in British Columbia. The program provides financial incentives to encourage various eligible activities within these sectors.
- Film production, including live-action and animated films.
- Television production, including series and one-time features.
- Digital Animation, Visual Effects and Post-Production (DAVE) projects.
- Screenwriting and Scriptwriting endeavors.
- Film training initiatives aimed at developing local talent.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the FIBC tax credits primarily pertain to the labour costs directly associated with the production.
- Labour costs incurred during production activities.
- Costs related to digital animation, visual effects, and post-production labour.
- Expenses for training related to film production.
- Costs incurred for scriptwriting activities.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Evaluation is based on the project's alignment with program objectives, financial viability, market potential, and innovation.
- Selection criteria include the project's economic impact, job creation, technical feasibility, and potential for long-term success.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Eligibility Determination
- Ensure your production corporation is Canadian owned and controlled with a permanent establishment in BC.
- Determine which FIBC tax credits your production is eligible for based on the type of production and applicable start dates.
- Step 2: Pre-Application Preparation
- Gather necessary documentation such as a production schedule, a schedule of BC/non-BC costs, and proof of BC residency (Schedule A).
- Review the Application Eligibility Checklist to ensure all criteria are met.
- Step 3: Initial Application Submission (Eligibility Certificate)
- Access the online Tax Credit Application Portal.
- Complete and submit the eligibility certificate application as early as possible in pre-production or production stages but no later than 12 months from the start of principal photography.
- Step 4: Completion Certificate Application
- Prepare and submit the completion certificate application at least 6 months before your corporate tax filing deadline.
- Ensure all supporting documents and proofs of eligibility are included.
- Step 5: Submit Corporate Income Tax Return
- Once eligibility and completion certificates are received, file your corporate income tax return including these certificates with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Ensure all tax credit forms and calculations are accurately completed using available calculators and resources from Creative BC.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of submission and processing timelines from Creative BC.
- Keep in contact with Creative BC's Motion Picture Tax Credit Team for any updates or additional information required.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- It is recommended to apply early for tax credit certificates, ideally at the pre-production stage or no later than 12 months from the beginning of principal photography to ensure eligibility and processing.
- Completion certificate applications should be submitted at least six months before the corporate income tax filing deadline to avoid losing tax credits.
- Budget 2024 amends the Regional and Distant Location tax credits to exclude animated productions beginning on or after June 1, 2024.
- The FIBC program may require up to four months to process applications, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.
- Productions must be Canadian-owned and controlled with a permanent establishment in British Columbia to qualify for the tax credits.
- This program offers multiple tax credits with varying percentages for different types of productions, including live-action and animated, depending on specific eligibility.
Apply to this program
Exploring the Film Incentive BC Program
The Film Incentive BC (FIBC) offers refundable labour-based tax credits designed to support Canadian-owned production companies in British Columbia. Its purpose is to encourage film, television, digital animation, and visual effects production through several targeted initiatives.
Deep Dive into Film Incentive BC and Its Role in the Industry
The Film Incentive BC (FIBC) is a pivotal program in British Columbia's economic strategy to bolster its creative industries, especially within the film and animation sectors. As a refundable tax credit initiative, the FIBC directly addresses the financial burdens of production companies by covering a specified percentage of labour costs incurred during production. This financial relief is crucial for production companies, as it reduces tax liabilities and potentially alleviates financial strains on post-production corporations. The chief objective of FIBC is to cultivate a vibrant industry environment, driving more Canadian-controlled production companies to use British Columbia as their base of operations.
FIBC encompasses six distinct initiatives: Basic, Regional, Distant Location Regional, Training, Digital Animation and Visual Effects and Post-Production (DAVE), and Scriptwriting. These initiatives are tailored to different aspects of the production process, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support across various stages and types of production. For instance, live-action productions benefit from a 35% basic credit on eligible BC labour costs, complementing additional credits for specific regional or distant locations, training endeavors, and scriptwriting tasks. Similarly, animated productions enjoy analogous benefits, with particular stipulations concerning principal photography and specific start dates.
One notable aspect of the FIBC is its adaptability to the evolving nature of the creative industries. The program frequently updates its frameworks and eligibility criteria to reflect current economic conditions and industry trends. For example, the 2024 Budget adjustment removed the Regional and Distant Location tax credits for animated productions starting after June 1, 2024, demonstrating FIBC's flexibility in responding to policy changes.
The application process for FIBC is delineated into two certifications: the eligibility certificate and the completion certificate. Production companies must strategize their submissions to align with Creative BC's processing timelines and ensure they meet filing deadlines with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Applying for an eligibility certificate at the pre-production or early production phases is encouraged to mitigate risks of application delays and ensure timely tax returns. Completion certificates, crucial for final tax credit claims, should be organized well in advance of tax filing deadlines to secure the entirety of the credit.
Beyond just financial support, the FIBC fosters an overarching growth environment for the creative sector in BC. It encourages skills development through its training credit and supports innovation via the digital animation and visual effects credit. These facets of the program contribute to building a robust talent pool and infrastructure that elevates British Columbia's status as a hub for creative endeavours.
In summary, the Film Incentive BC plays a catalytic role in the sustainability and expansion of British Columbia's film and creative sectors. By alleviating upfront financial pressures and incentivizing specific production activities, the FIBC ensures that Canadian creative firms remain competitive, resilient, and innovative in the global marketplace. Through targeted support and a responsive application system, the program reflects British Columbia's commitment to nurturing its creative economy and creating opportunities for future growth.
