B.C. Boosts Film Tax Incentives to Attract Big Productions

British Columbia is ramping up tax incentives to strengthen its film and TV industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. Premier David Eby announced that Budget 2025 will include increases to the Film Incentive BC (FIBC) and Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), both of which support Canadian and international productions. Starting January 1, 2025, the FIBC will rise from 35% to 36%, and the PSTC will jump from 28% to 36%. Plus, big-budget films with production costs over $200 million will get an extra 2% bonus.

“These changes give B.C. a competitive edge as a top filming destination,” said Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. “This is a huge win for our local businesses and skilled crews.”

The government is also restoring a tax credit for regional animation studios, which had been cut in 2024. After backlash from businesses in places like the Okanagan, the government is reintroducing the regional and distant location tax credit for companies with physical studios outside Metro Vancouver and nearby areas.

Jon Summerland, Okanagan’s film commissioner, welcomed the news, calling it a game-changer for regional studios. “This is a big win that will help keep the industry thriving here,” he said.

B.C.’s film industry is still recovering from the 2023 strike, which caused a sharp drop in industry jobs, from 37,000 in 2022 to just 26,000 in 2023. With these new tax incentives, B.C. is aiming to attract more productions and support long-term growth in the film sector.