VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s being billed as a three day, star-studded, gala celebration of Bollywood’s best, right here in Vancouver.
But some in BC’s struggling film industry are upset the province is spending $11 million to host the Times of India Film Awards in April.
Premier Clark says hosting the Awards will bring in anywhere from $13 million to $18 million.
But on local movie sets, workers like Troy tell News1130 they’re not buying it.
“It seems almost like a slap in the face from the Liberal government to the film industry because they’re refusing to support their local, indigenous industry, the people who live and work here, in this province.”
Some feel that money would be much better spent on film industry incentives to help get the unemployed back on sets.
“As an industry worker, it’s great they’re bringing the business here. But who’s paying the bill? We are! And we’re hurting right now. We need the incentives,” Sandy tells News1130.
The Times of India Film Awards will feature a concert at Pacific Coliseum, film screenings throughout Metro Vancouver, and an awards gala at BC Place with performances by top Indian celebrities, April 4-6.
Home Improvement Profiles
News1130 Apps
Tell us what you think!
News1130 Business Profile
I’ve turned a blind eye and continued to support the Liberals — until now. I’m done. Never voted NDP so next election will be a first for me. I’m disgusted, why not support our own film industry? Desperate for votes is the only answer.
The Liberal Party’s stance on tax credits is irrelevant. They are gone in four months anyway. I’ve voted Liberals for the last four elections. This year…I’m staying home on voting day.
This has nothing to do with the indo Canadian population and getting a few votes your way, christy……right? The timing of the announcement reeks of desperation.
These politicians will do anything for extra votes, even dress up like clowns. This makes absolutely no sense, why not try and rescue your own town’s film industry first.
Get ready for the Chinese academy awards. Hmmmmm….wonder why?
Brian,
You should see how much lumber is used in construction on film sets! The Film Industry in turn supports many other industries directly and indirectly.
As much as I think embracing Bollywood is a great thing culturally, it does seem like a heck of a lot of money to spend on foreign talent when our local movie industry is hurting. Are we sure we’re going to see a good return on the investment? Or is it just the wealthy spending money amongst the wealthy?
I bet Christy will start throwing away $10 million a week at these idiotic ventures in a desperate bid to distract from her 2-3 emerging scandals a week. She’s through, she knows it and is going to try the last play in the playbook…DISTRACTION.
Look for her to stage a fake Stanley Tools Cup and invite the Canucks to try and win it
Seriously? What a waste of time and money.
This current government is totally out of touch with the tax paying citizens of this province and what is REALLY important to us!
Spend that money on creating jobs in BC by BC people,and not on an ostentations award show for another countries film community when you can’t even LISTEN to the film industry of BC.
I seem to recall hearing how the Olympics would benefit us as well, I haven’t seen a dime from that I I suspect I won’t see any benefit from this as well. As a matter of fact it will more then likely end up costing me down the road
Where were the tax credits when all the sawmills and pulp mills were closing? Elk Falls in Campbell River paid $8,000,000 in property taxes per year. In return, Campbell River supplied potable water and fire protection. The value of these services were only a fraction of the property taxes paid by the mill. Yet all levels of government ignored the pleas of Catalyst Paper for a tax break. The mill shut down putting 1100 people out of work. This situation has played out in communities all over the province. Why do film workers deserve special treatment? This is a race to the bottom. If BC increases the tax breaks, Ontario will follow suit, and we’ll be right back where we started. They’ll be asking for more a couple years down the road.
So what do you suggest, Brian?
Keep taxes high, let ALL the jobs leave, then everybody will be unemployed?
There are MANY industries that would benefit from tax incentives. Companies all over are constantly looking for places to do business, and with every new project they choose where to go based on where they will make the most money AFTER TAX. If our taxes are higher, the jobs simply won’t come this way.
We’re much better off getting 10% tax on a $1B industry than 50% tax on zero.
Also keep in mind the film industry in constantly starting new projects, and each project gets to choose where to go.