Chatham-Kent’s attempt to attract more film productions to the municipality has hit a wall.
According to an information report coming to CK Council on Monday, an economic development officer hired by the municipality in March to explore attracting film and television productions to Chatham-Kent, left the position after only two months when it was determined that it would be almost impossible to attract productions of significant value.
In November 2023, council approved spending $135,000 for one year to establish the film liaison and economic development position in an effort to boost the local economy.
However, in the update to council, the report states that the current situation in the film industry puts smaller municipalities at a significant disadvantage.
While the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit offers a 10 per cent bonus for productions that film outside of the Greater Toronto Area, most productions still film close to avoid increased personnel costs and travel expenses. It was also learned that productions that the majority of productions originate from outside of Canada and are not eligible for the tax credit, providing them no incentive to film outside of the GTA.
Chatham-Kent has since become a member of a regional alliance of municipalities led by Film London called the Film Incentive Coalition of Ontario (FICO), which is advocating for improved tax credit incentives for productions that film further than 300 km outside of the GTA. The group is also pushing for broader tax credit eligibility for films originating outside of Canada.
In the meantime, Economic Development Services and Special Events is continuing to support smaller film and television production opportunities in the municipality.
