The Faces of NS Film (Part 1)

by Michael Lee April 21, 2015

Some of the filmmakers whose livelihoods are jeopardized by cuts to the Nova Scotia film tax credit.

Film job: Steadicam Camera Operator Lives: Sydney River, NS Says: I feel there are issues with the tax credit system, but I also feel there are issues with giving RBC millions to come to NS. I think changes could be made, but not the way this has happened. Looking at it and its impact on friends, families and the industry, it will be very destructive if it’s not pulled back to a reasonable ground. Far too much to risk an industry and all these world class amazing artisans.
Film job: Actor Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: NS film industry is a part of our heritage in NS. It has brought all kinds of cultures here. It has allowed me to grow up here and interact not only within the film industry but within the community as well too. Slashing the NS film tax credit is a big mistake and will give us absolutely nothing.
Film job: Background Casting Says: Haeleigh (11), Cole (9) and Danielle (6) Moore are all actors who are members of ACTRA. Being part of this industry has brought out something in each one of them. They use the money they make to put into their education fund. We hoped to encourage them to stay in NS but now. Well, we don’t know if it will be a good idea as things spiral down. I work in background casting and will have to change jobs. I love my job and I see all the trickle down that the economy gets from this industry. When they realize their mistake…well, it will be too late to fix it.
Film job: Multimedia Editor and Photographer Lives: Lower Sackville, NS Says: I run my own brand new small business and know others more directly involved in the film industry. I strongly oppose the cuts.
Film job: Stunt Woman Lives: Kentville, NS
Film job: Master Hairstylist
Film job: Compositor at Copernicus Studios Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I think the method of the tax credit is equally as concerning as the credit “Restructuring.” The changes have been done with such reckless abandon it is clear they can only have been done in gross ignorance of the industry to which it modifies. That is extremely concerning to me, putting the livelihood of so many on the the line without truly seeing to understand the mechanisms behind it.
Film job: Animator at Copernicus Studios Inc. Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I lived in Saint John, NB, and moved to Halifax and have been here for two years. I really love Halifax because I am near from home and I have a specialist here for my diabetes at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. I do not want to leave.
Film job: Sound Engineer Lives: Waverley, NS
Film job: Actor, writer, director Lives: Sackville, NS Says: We elected this government on their promises. Shouldn’t they be required to keep them? The people are speaking. Is anyone listening?
Film job: Wardrobe/Set Dresser/Puppet Maker Lives: North Halifax, NS Says: Without the tax credit, Nova Scotia will lose its hardest working and most creative people.
Film job: Props Person, Sets Person, sometimes Art Director Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I will be forced to migrate with the students, probably to Toronto. It makes my thoughts dark. I wish I could express myself better without being so emotional or taking this so personal. Maybe it will help you to realize we are not some faceless distant cooperation, maybe it won’t. (from a letter sent to his MLA, the finance minister and premier)
Film job: Actor, Writer, Director, Documentary-Maker Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I have a little production company called Peep Media with producer Jessica Brown. In 2014, we made a documentary called Edge of East. It uncovered a forgotten subculture of Nova Scotian yodelers. Will a story like that be able to be told this time next year? This industry only works when it is able to compete in, and with, the global market. Without the tax credit, what have we built over the past 20 years? For what purpose all that work, all that talent, all that time?
Film job: Actor, Dal Student Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I only began acting as a job last year! I have been able to do it in addition to school and use the money to help pay for my tuition. I never thought that I would be able to make money doing the thing that I love, and I was just starting to think that I could. Without the tax credit, I won’t have that financial grounding in what I love. When I graduate, I will almost definitely be moving to Vancouver if the credit is not resolved.
Film job: NSCC Screen Arts Student Lives: Beaverbank, NS Says: I took my course to gain industry contacts HERE in NS. Because of the tax credit cut, these wonderful people I have met over the past two years might not be around anymore and I’ll have to start all over again in a different province.
Film job: Production Assistant, Stills Photographer, Social Media Marketer Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Do we really want to create the world’s best film crews at our schools only to watch them graduate and move away, rather than create a future in Nova Scotia? No!
Film job: Animator at Copernicus Studios Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I believe that the reduction of the Film Tax Credit is foolish and would do a lot more harm for the province than good. I can understand how people may see our industry as a luxury but the reality is that everyone needs media. This is also an industry that is putting Nova Scotia on the map globally and a huge contributor to keeping young people like myself here in the province. This is my home. I don’t want to be forced to leave it.
Film job: Colourist/Compositor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The tax credit change will kill our industry and within weeks, if and when I lose my job because of this, I will be on a plane to Toronto–it’s as simple as that.
Film job: Program Officer at Music Nova Scotia Lives: Halifax, NS Says: My husband, Scott Simpson is a director/producer in Halifax. He’s at the front line of defence with Screen Nova Scotia and I think he should be included!
Film job: Actor, Headshot Photographer with MJ Photographics Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Not only do I rely on the film industry here for acting work but also depend on the actors, drawn to Nova Scotia for film work, to make my living as a photographer. If the cuts to the tax credit force actors to move away, who am I going to photograph?
Film job: Associate Producer, Development, TV Personality Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Clean Up Artist at Cartoon Conrad Productions Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Utterly heart broken that something so successful can be taken away in one afternoon with no prior discussion.
Film job: FILM 5 Production Coordinator and Independent Filmmaker Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I facilitate a pre-professional training program for emerging filmmakers in Nova Scotia. In the 20 years the program has been in existence it has trained some of this region’s most notable talent–including Andrea Dorfman, Marc Almon, Jay Dahl and many, many others. The cuts to the tax credit and closing of Film and Creative Industries will effect our ability to continue to train young filmmakers.
Film job: Animator at Copernicus Studios Lives: Halifax, NS (from Dublin, Ireland) Says: I love my job and I love living in Nova Scotia. I had so hoped that I could build a life for myself here, working at my childhood dream job and settle down. I was really just beginning to have a sense of safety that everything was going on the right track and now it feels as though the rug has been pulled out from under me.
Film job: 2D Animator at Copernicus Studios Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Optional thoughts? Just that this is my home and I don’t want to be pushed out.
Film job: Camera Department Trainee Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I’m a trainee, the lowest of the low on the totem pole. My wife and I have made alot of sacrifices over the last couple years so I could make a go at working in this industry. So far it’s been a dream job working on shows like Haven, Book of Negroes, Lizzie Borden. But now, before I really get started, it feels like it’s being taken away….
Film job: On-set Dresser, IATSE 849 Member Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Nova Scotia is my home. I’ve worked hard to have a career here. I want to stay!
Film job: Writer Lives: Hubbards, NS
Film job: Actor, ACTRA Member Lives: Middle Sackville Says: As you can see from my “selfie,” I am not young. The amazing thing is the film and television industry gives me, and many others “too old” to work, an opportunity to be active. We are being constantly stimulated by preparing auditions, meeting new people of all ages and feeling that we still have a place in society. Not to mention earning a few dollars to supplement CPP and OAS.
Film job: Manage the Union Office for Local 849 of the IATSE Says: I love my job. I have passion, loyalty and I work hard. Not only would the proposed changes to the Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit eliminate my position, the HUNDREDS of skilled artists and technicians that belong to our union will have to relocate in order to remain in the craft they love. Relocate from the province that stripped away the industry THEY CREATED!
Says: These are the unhappy faces of Ian Greig, set decorator, and his kids Colin and William. Thirty-plus years in the business.
Film job: Television Production Students/New Graduates Lives: Halifax, NS Says: We all joined this program with the hope that we could join the industry we love, in the province we love, with our craft and skills. This cut affects us all. Now the future seems uncertain.
Film job: 2D Animator Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Please consider everyone who took the financial risk to come here and work with their incredible, passionate and beautiful peers of the film industry.
Film job: Animation Student at Da Vinci College Lives: Lacewood, Halifax, NS
Film job: Producer for Arcadia Entertainment Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: CEO/President 4th Monkey Media Lives: South Shore, NS Says: In 2011, I started 4th Monkey, a digital media company based on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. I take a lot of pride in the fact I have a company based here who employs a myriad of young, talented people. Nova Scotia is not only a beautiful, affordable place to live but we also have many amazing opportunities to attract young people and businesses. From NSCAD to Dalhousie, we have incredible institutions educating young adults to pursue careers in the arts, only to have them leave the province and look for work where arts and culture are appreciated and not undermined?
Film job: Wardrobe Key Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I graduated in the spring and since then, the majority of my income has been film work. I won’t be able to make a living in Nova Scotia if the cuts to the film tax credit are made and would probably leave Nova Scotia to pursue film work in another province.
Film job: Actor
Film job: Operations Coordinator for the Directors Guild of Canada – Atlantic, Film Five Independent Producer Lives: North End, Halifax, NS
Film job: Director Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The dark ages marked a time where there was a decline of writing, arts and culture. I fear without the film tax credit, production companies and creative people will move away, stopping the flow of Nova Scotian stories getting out to the world.
Film job: Animal Wrangler for IATSE 849 Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: I love my job. I am really going to miss it.
Film job: Publicist LIves: Dartmouth, NS
Film job: Filmmaker, Actor Lives: Dartmouth, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Why is this happening?
Film job: Freelance Camera Assistant, Emerging Writer/Director Lives: North End, Halifax, NS Says: Most of my work in the industry as a camera assistant depends on the tax credit. Because of the drastic cuts, it is unlikely I will be able to continue working as a camera assistant in Nova Scotia. The dissolution of Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia will also have a major impact on me as an emerging writer and director, since the funding programs awarded through the organization, such as the Shorts-to-Features program and the First Feature program, have effectively been eliminated.
Film job: Sound Editor, Music Composer Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I want a government that values arts and culture.
Film job: 3D Modeler & 3D Texture Artist Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The credit will force us to move out of the province that we have grown to love.
Film job: Actress Lives: Bedford, NS Says: I would be very sad to see all the people I have met on set across Nova Scotia leave. The opportunities for those left behind would be drastically reduced. I would no longer get to act in films and may not be able to watch something I have filmed at the Atlantic Film Festival.
Film job: Writer, Producer Lives: Lunenburg, NS Says: Six years ago I moved to Lunenburg and continue to work for international productions based out of Halifax, and have since worked as a consultant for a few Montreal based companies. I can’t afford to live here anymore. We’re leaving. Probably. Hopefully. And I’m not one bit sad about it.
Film job: Seamstress, Costume Designer Lives: Middle Sackville, NS Says: I’m extremely sad and frustrated by the cut to the film tax credit. I worked my first film job this past year as a seamstress on the TV series “The Chronicle of Lizzie Borden.” I’m so proud of what I did for that project and feel so lucky to have worked alongside, and learned from, a group of very humble, hard working people; people who love what they do and love living in Nova Scotia. I was hoping I’d get another opportunity like that again, but now I’m unsure whether that will happen here at home. I feel very unsupported by our government right now. As a person in the arts, I already don’t have a lot of security when it comes to work and this cut makes me even more nervous about trying to make a living here in Nova Scotia, doing what I’m passionate about.
Film job: Actor, Background Performer, ACTRA Apprentice Lives: Annapolis Valley, NS
Film job: Production Assistant Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: The cut is a short sighted decision made with no industry consultation that will force hundreds of youth out of the province. The Liberal government has betrayed the industry with false promises and hollow words for a vote I 100 per cent regret giving them.
Film job: Locations and Art PA Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: I grew up admiring the local film industry and my goal has been to work on set since I was in my early teens. I did background work at 15, grip work at 16, Foley editing at 17 and went right into studying film at NSCC after graduating high school. I’ve been planning to work in this industry for over 10 years and now that I’ve just started getting frequent work, it looks like it’s all going to go away. I’m actually asking myself what I love more. My work? Or my province? I hate that I have to do that.
Film job: Animator Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Why cut funding for a growing export industry, full of young, talented professionals, who live and pay taxes in Nova Scotia? I don’t know either.
Film job: Production Coordinator at DHX Media Lives: Timberlea, NS Says: As an industry person, I’m concerned for our jobs. As a Nova Scotian, I’m concerned for my province’s economic wellbeing.
Film job: Director, Camera Operator Lives: Cape Breton, NS
Film job: Props, Set Decoration, Wardrobe, Performer Says: Working in film, I take writers’ and directors’ visions and materialize them. I have strong bonds with actors, encouraging them to imagine and develop their characters. I am in a family of cross-departmental camaraderie and collaboration. I’ve learned anything dreamed is possible, never fearing to learn a skill or trade or subject I had previously known nothing about. I am grieving that I may lose this spirit enriching environment.
Film job: Actor Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: The fight continues.
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The NS film industry is a long term-term investment in our creative youth, culture, tourism, small businesses (among others), and greatly impacts the economics of rural communities throughout the entire province. We have a good thing going here. To shatter an entire viable industry is ignorant and I don’t trust a government that doesn’t do their research!
Film job: Production Coordinator Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I will have to move far away from my friends and family, and cease becoming a Nova Scotia taxpayer, if I want to continue in the industry that I’ve put 11 years of my life into.
Film job: Feature Background Performer Lives: Nova Scotia Says: I rely on movie work at times to supplement my income but I know many of my coworkers, colleagues and friends rely on the industry to make a living. Nova Scotia needs the film industry.
Film job: Actor, Associate Producer for Arcadia Content Inc. Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Puzzling with curiosity.
Film job: Background Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I am a counsellor and enjoy getting out (and doing something completely different), allowing me to meet and work with other people. While a great experience, the extra money helps pay off the fees for my practice and the years spent playing catch-up trying to pay for school. I need extra work to live in Halifax but I love my community and value working on set with a diverse group of talented individuals; I am proud doing this. The sense of community makes me want to stay, even though opportunities for graduates are far more appealing in other provinces. The tax credit brings work and money. No brainer.
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Writer, Director, Camera, Actor Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The bread on our plate. The clothes on our back. The smiles on our face.
Film job: Actor Lives: Fall River, NS
Film job: Background Actor Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: A great way to supplement my modest retirement income.
Film job: Heavy Equipment Driver Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Picture Editor, Assistant Editor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I am fearful for what employment opportunities I will have if the Liberal budget passes and the film industry dries up due to the film tax credit being cut. I have very specialized training and skills in my trade and it will be impossible for me to support my family in Nova Scotia.
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS
Film job: Cleanup Animation Artist at Cartoon Conrad Studios Lives: Beaverbank, NS Says: I’ve just recently returned to my first career choice after being out of the game for about five years. It was a big relief to be back making money in the industry I went to school for and very rewarding to be making good money in my home province. If the paltry tax credit stops future contracts from coming here, then I will consider moving to Montreal where I can still keep my career choice rather then stay and end up working a minimum wage retail job.
Film job: Grip, Gaffer, Best Boy, Rigger Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I moved here to work on CODCO in 1988. The motion picture industry is my livelihood.
Film job: Actress Lives: Bayside, NS
Film job: Art Director
Film job: Props Technician Lives: North End, Halifax, NS Says: Throughout my career I have had the honour of working alongside top notch, world class directors, producers and cast who rate our calibre of skill up there with the best of the crews they’ve encountered. These professionals often fly in their families and friends to share their unique Nova Scotian experience.
Film job: Actor Lives: Lunenburg, NS Says: I am relatively new to the business but have been welcomed with open arms into a community of hard working, passionate people. Like many others, the prospect of having to leave the province to follow a fulfilling career in entertainment, away from family and friends, frustrates me when I know the level of professionalism and quality of material being produced close to home over the last 20-plus years. The Nova Scotia government may not have completely dropped the ball yet, but they sure are fumbling it.
Film job: Production Designer on Inspector Gadget and Jim Henson’s Doozers Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The tax credit is invaluable to maintaining a competitive edge with the rest of North America and the butterfly effect to Nova Scotia as a whole is worth every penny.
Film job: Office Manager/Production Secretary/Closed Captioner at Arcadia Entertainment Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I went back to school at 52 to study television production at NSCC. I do not want to leave my home province to find work. I shouldn’t have to do so when there is such a vibrant television and film community here. This industry provides jobs for many talented people and brings money to other businesses in Nova Scotia. Common sense must prevail.
Film job: Storyboard Director for DHX Media Lives: Halifax, NS Says: I am disappointed with the tax credit cut because I know how young and mobile the animation industry is. Like many of my colleagues, I moved here for opportunity, but will mostly likely have to leave Nova Scotia for something elsewhere. That’s the sad reality.
Film job: Director, Producer, Stunt Performer, Editor Lives: Beaverbank, NS
Film job: ACTRA Actor Lives: Prospect Bay, NS Says: Two years ago, I planned on moving to Toronto to pursue a career in acting but was asked to stay when I was offered a role on Seed. Since then, I have been auditioning, working and planning on buying a house in Halifax to plant my life here with these people; in this industry. With the tax credit cut, my opportunities are being thrown out the window and at no control of mine. My partner and I are now rethinking buying a home and are looking at cities who support their creative culture and individuals; what I want to be a part of and who I am as a person. I’ll add this because I know they are trying to keep younger people and “the future of Nova Scotia”: I’m 25.
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: This isn’t simply our blossoming film industry under threat, it is part of our cultural identity as a province. Nova Scotia will be shooting itself in the foot with this silly budget, with Diana Whalen pulling the trigger.
Film job: Camera/Editor at Clerisy Entertainment Lives: Dartmouth, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Hammonds Plains, NS Says: I think the cut to the film tax credit will totally destroyed the film industry.
Film job: Director of Photography/Editor at Clerisy Entertainment Lives: Porters Lake, NS Says: The job loss I face from losing a bankable, standardized and competitive film tax credit is horrible for me and my family. But more importantly, what hurts the most is the loss of culture, diversity, art, young talented people and a positive outlook for our industry’s future–the unmeasurable affects; the things that don’t fall nicely onto a balance sheet.
Film job: Actor Lives: Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS Says: A continuation of the tax credit would mean the people I’ve lived with in my community over the past two decades will continue to thrive in the place we have chosen to call home.
Film job: Actor Lives: Clayton Park, Halifax, NS Says: I was doing so well the past two years that I haven’t had to supplement my income with any other job. That is saying something! The changes to the film tax credit directly and negatively affect my livelihood, and will put me back under the poverty line in NS, either forcing me to take a dead-end call centre job, go on EI, or move to another province or the States.
Film job: Actor Lives: Fall River, NS Says: I think this puts many people out of jobs, not just actors and crew, but small businesses. We need the film industry back.
Film job: Actor Lives: Fall River, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Fall River, NS
Film job: Actor Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The film tax cut means it’s going to have to be farewell to Nova Scotia for me.
Film job: Producer/Co-Owner of Skyline Studio Lives: Halifax, NS Says: We’re a small business working with production companies coming to Nova Scotia to shoot TV, film and commercials. This change will inevitably reduce our opportunity to do business here at home.
Film job: Actor Lives: Nova Scotia Says: I support this cause because I love what I do and I love the people I work with in this beautiful province!
Film job: Casting Assistant, Background Actor, Theatre Producer/Director/Writer Lives: Halifax, NS Says: The short-sightedness and blatant disregard for their own campaign platform boggles me. I didn’t vote for them last time and they have ensured I won’t for vote for them the next time.
Film job: Producer, Director, Production/Location Sound Mixer Lives: Halifax, NS Says: Cutting before consulting is the work of fools. I don’t want fools and liars running my home province. Nova Scotia should lose the finance department bureaucrats giving them bad advice and bring on some forward thinkers who can see the big picture, and help build a Nova Scotia we can be excited and proud of.
Film job: Actor, ACTRA Maritime Member Lives: Dartmouth, NS Says: Living my dream in Nova Scotia Film.

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