Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit
AB, Canada
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable tax credit on eligible Alberta production and labour costs for corporations producing films, television series, and other eligible screen-based productions in Alberta.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMay 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Tax Credits
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations producing new films, television series, and other screen-based productions in the province. Applicants can apply for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate, with the higher rate requiring additional Alberta-based ownership and spending criteria. Eligible activities include new productions intended for broadcast, distribution, or streaming that meet specific production cost and timing requirements.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant specifically targets productions that have a significant engagement in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is designed to stimulate film and television production within Alberta, particularly in its rural and remote locations.
- Principal photography must be completed in the province of Alberta.
- Increased tax credit incentives are available for productions completing at least 75% of their principal photography days in rural or remote areas of Alberta.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$930,000
Producing a children's animated series based on folk tales from Alberta
$360,000
Creating a historical documentary about Edmonton's development over the past century
$450,000
Producing an environmental documentary highlighting the conservation efforts National Park
$1,500,000
Production of a feature-length film portraying the oil sands industry
$540,000
Developing a virtual reality game based on the history of Banff National Park
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the production and the applicant corporation.
- The production must have total production costs of at least $499,999, excluding GST.
- The production must be new; repackaging of previously completed productions is ineligible.
- Principal photography or key animation must be completed in part in Alberta.
- The application must be submitted no later than 120 days after commencing principal photography in Alberta.
- The production must be a segment of content intended for broadcast, distribution, or streaming.
- The corporation must be primarily engaged in film, television, and/or digital media production.
- The corporation must be incorporated in Alberta or registered as an extra-provincial company in Alberta.
- The corporation must not be exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.
- The corporation must not have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant for the project.
- A valid commercial distribution plan must exist for the final project.
- At least 50% of production financing must be secured at the time of application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) program have not been explicitly detailed in the provided context. Therefore, there is no specific point score or detailed criteria for project evaluation available in the provided information.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Specific types of productions are ineligible for the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit. These exclusions ensure that funding supports suitable genres aligned with the program's guidelines.
- Productions that are news, current events, or public affairs programming.
- Talk shows.
- Professional or franchise sporting events or activities.
- Gala presentations or awards shows.
- Productions soliciting funds.
- Pornography or adult entertainment productions.
- Advertising productions.
- Productions using surveillance equipment footage, including court television.
- Productions of official legal, government, or similar proceedings.
- Productions primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
- Non-documentary productions using more than 25% stock footage.
- Video games.
- Productions deemed contrary to public policy, such as those inciting hatred or unduly exploiting violence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant is open to initiatives related to producing films, television series, and other screen-based media that align with the Film and Television Tax Credit's purpose. Eligible projects focus on principal photography or key animation works that meet economic and production standards within Alberta.
- Production of new films, excluding repackaging previous works.
- Creation of television series with principal photography or vital animation undertaken in Alberta.
- Development of screen-based content with successful distribution plans compliant with commercial requirements.
- Co-productions aiming to fulfill international treaty conditions for enhanced tax credit levels.
- Productions emphasizing rural and remote Alberta locations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible production costs for the grant include expenses that are directly attributable to the production in Alberta, are reasonable, and do not exceed fair market value.
- Eligible Alberta costs
- Eligible Alberta salary or wages
- Eligible Alberta service contract expenditures
- Eligible Alberta tangible property expenditures
- Eligible Alberta parent-subsidiary amounts
- For documentaries, eligible non-Alberta salary or wages
- For documentaries, eligible non-Alberta service contract expenditures
- For documentaries, eligible non-Alberta travel expenditures
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Film and Television Tax Credit. Eligible applications are evaluated based on the production's economic impact in Alberta and its benefit to Alberta’s film and television industry.
- Application completeness
- Eligibility screening
- Evaluation of economic impact in Alberta
- Benefit to Alberta’s film and television industry
- Approval by the Minister
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Review the Film and Television Tax Credit Program Guidelines.
- Examine associated supplementary forms to understand criteria and requirements.
- Step 2: Create User Account
- Create an account on the Alberta.ca online application portal.
- Set up a secure login name and password.
- Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Log into the online application portal.
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Ensure all required documentation, as outlined in the Program Guidelines, is included.
- Submit the completed application through the online portal.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant has additional guidelines and forms required for submission.
- Additional program details can be found in the Film and Television Tax Credit Act, Regulation, guidelines, and companion guides.
- Supplementary forms must be completed and submitted, including the Capitalization Table, Summary of Production Financing, Related Party Transactions, Estimated Total Production Costs, Producer Residency Declaration, and Individual Residency Declaration.
- Eligible Alberta production costs must be incurred and paid in Alberta during the eligibility period, must relate directly to the Alberta portion of the production, and be essential costs of the production business.
- Special mention of the email and physical address for contact and further inquiries.
- Productions with a 30% tax credit certificate must keep an Alberta-based individual, partnership, or corporation in the copyright ownership for 10 years following production completion.
Apply to this program
Unlock Alberta's Film and Television Tax Credit
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit program offers a significant financial incentive for productions that meet specific criteria and take advantage of Alberta’s vibrant landscape for filmmaking. By choosing Alberta, filmmakers can secure a refundable tax credit of up to 30% on eligible production costs, thereby enhancing their production’s financial feasibility.
In-Depth Insight into Alberta's Film and Television Tax Credit Program
Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) provides a substantial opportunity for filmmakers to capitalize on the diverse and picturesque landscapes of Alberta while benefiting from financial relief on production costs. This program is specifically designed to attract and retain productions within Alberta, encouraging local economic development and supporting the province's cultural industries. Productions eligible for this tax credit must be new creations, not re-edits or repackaged productions, ensuring that the program supports fresh and original content.
The FTTC program aims to enhance the appeal of Alberta as a prime location for film and television productions by offering a competitive tax credit that covers a broad range of costs associated with production activities within the province. Productions can qualify for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate, depending on certain additional qualifications such as ownership and employment of Alberta-based resources. The primary requirements include incorporating segments of principal photography or key animation within the province and ensuring the production company's incorporation status aligns with Alberta's legal framework.
Productions that choose to film in Alberta have up to 120 days after commencing principal photography to submit their application, aligning with the FTTC program's objective to make Alberta a film-friendly environment. This aspect of the program reflects a strategic intent to provide flexibility to filmmakers, allowing them to start capturing the distinct imagery Alberta offers before formalizing their tax credit application.
The program's conditions stipulate detailed eligibility around the nature of productions, encompassing a wide variety of screen-based artistic endeavors while explicitly excluding certain genres like news broadcasts, talk shows, and professional sporting events. Such exclusions ensure the program's focus remains on creative and cinematic ventures that promise to enrich Alberta’s cultural landscape.
An additional enticement is available for projects that base a substantial portion of their shooting schedule in rural or remote areas within Alberta. This provision not only amplifies the potential tax credit to 30% but also supports balanced regional development, stimulating economic activity beyond major urban centers like Edmonton and Calgary.
For projects aiming to utilize the maximum benefit, several critical criteria must be met, particularly concerning Alberta-based participation. These include employing Albertan producers who receive appropriate credit recognition and ensuring significant Alberta ownership in both the production corporation and copyright post-completion.
Completing and submitting an application involves navigating an online portal specifically designed for the FTTC program, which invites applicants to create a user account. Following successful application submission, eligible projects are assessed based on their projected economic impact and contributions to the Alberta film industry.
Successful productions can manage their tax credits either as a singular rebate after project completion or in multiple stages aligned with annual tax filings. This flexibility allows for the integration of the tax credit into various stages of financial planning, providing productions with the opportunity to optimize cash flow effectively.
Ultimately, Alberta's Film and Television Tax Credit is a robust financial tool for film and television producers, aiming to foster a dynamic creative industry while promoting the region as a pivotal film production hub. Its structured yet adaptable framework provides essential fiscal incentives that are crucial for mitigating production risks and encouraging diverse, innovative content in the province.
