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Film Incentive BC Tax Credit
Tax credit for BC film, television, animation and visual effects production
Last Update: March 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Film Incentive BC Tax Credit supports Canadian production companies by providing refundable tax credits for eligible BC labour costs. This program encourages the production of film, television, digital animation, and visual effects in British Columbia.
- Production of live-action films with specific principal photography start dates.
- Production of digital animation beginning on or after specified key animation dates.
- Post-production activities, including visual effects, under the DAVE tax credit initiative.
- Scriptwriting and film training projects that meet eligibility criteria based on expenditure dates.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
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.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.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to Canadian owned and controlled production corporations with a permanent establishment in British Columbia. The eligible location ensures the promotion of the local film industry.
- Canadian production corporations with a permanent establishment in British Columbia.
Additional information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit?
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.
Who is eligible for the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit program?
To be eligible for the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit program, you must:
The production corporation must be Canadian-owned and controlled.
The corporation must have a permanent establishment in British Columbia.
The production corporation must apply for eligibility and completion certificates from Creative BC.
What expenses are eligible under Film Incentive BC Tax Credit?
The Film Incentive BC Tax Credit supports Canadian production companies by providing refundable tax credits for eligible BC labour costs. This program encourages the production of film, television, digital animation, and visual effects in British Columbia. Production of live-action films with specific principal photography start dates.
Production of digital animation beginning on or after specified key animation dates.
Post-production activities, including visual effects, under the DAVE tax credit initiative.
Scriptwriting and film training projects that meet eligibility criteria based on expenditure dates.
Where is the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit available?
The Film Incentive BC Tax Credit program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Film Incentive BC Tax Credit is a Tax Credits
Who are the financial supporters of the Film Incentive BC Tax Credit?
Film Incentive BC Tax Credit is funded by Creative BC, Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and People of Colour Creators (CISF)