Local Actor Weighs In On Government Cuts To Film Industry

One of the major casualties of the provincial budget was the cutting of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit. Brian Dueck is a Swift Current actor who had appeared in several Saskatchewan-based film and TV productions, including "Corner Gas" and the documentary "Sisu: the Death of Tom Sukanen".

He said he was disappointed when he heard the incentive was winding down, “The tax credit in place was bringing production to Saskatchewan and that was allowing me to be able to do that kind of work and follow that dream while still being able to stay here and raise my kids, and I never thought the Saskatchewan Government would remove that opportunity.”

Dueck added that productions like the hit TV show "Corner Gas" wouldn't have been feasible without the tax credit, and it also allowed local producers and actors to work and tell our province's stories right here in Saskatchewan.

“ Sisu: the Death of Tom Sukanen the movie I did, Tommy Douglas:Prairie Giant, I mean these are Saskatchewan stories and its nice to be able to tell them here and to be able to use the actual Saskatchewan backdrop for these Saskatchewan stories. With out this we'll be chasing those productions out of province to a place where it is feasable for them to do it.”

Dueck added he is encouraged that Premier Brad Wall had agreed to meet with the film industry to discuss the tax credit and explain his decision to remove it, while listening to those affected by it.