The Big Tables
March 2021
Canada's tax incentives for film, video, digital media and animation projects
PwC’s The Big Tables provide an overview of the many tax credits that are available to the film and video, digital media and animation industries. The Big Tables are your starting place for understanding the incentives offered in 2021.
In brief
- Part 1 - The Big Table of film and video incentives in Canada
- Part 2 - The Big Table of digital media incentives in Canada
- Part 3 - The Big Table of animation incentives in Canada
Part 1 - The Big Table of film and video incentives in Canada
Navigating Canada's tax incentives for film and video
The outlook for Canada's film and television industry continues to remain robust despite the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges in 2020; this demonstrates the agility and dynamism of the ecosystem. In 2019, the annual volume of film and television production was $9.3 billion, and the industry employed 180,900 full-time, an increase of 2.4% over 2018.1
The film and television industry is important in Canada. It is supported by federal, provincial and territorial governments, which encourage investment by domestic and foreign producers through incentives that help offset the cost of productions in Canadian locations.
1. Profile 2019 - Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA), 2019
Part 2 - The Big Table of digital media incentives in Canada
Navigating Canada's tax incentives for digital media
While consumers have long enjoyed a great variety of choices within the media industry, the way content is experienced continues to evolve and has accelerated through 2020. As digital entertainment becomes the norm, the distinction between digital and traditional media is less relevant.
The rise of digital and mass connectivity continues to create new forms of entertainment, heightening the need for businesses to be aware of the tax incentives they may claim, including:
- refundable interactive digital media tax credits offered by several provinces, based on eligible labour expenditures and eligible marketing and distribution expenses
- generous tax incentives provided by Canada's scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) program, to reward companies advancing in the science or technology areas in the gaming industry
Part 3 - The Big Table of animation incentives in Canada
Navigating Canada's tax incentives for animation
Coming soon
The experience you can count on with PwC
Our team of entertainment and media professionals can help you benefit from the appropriate incentives and save money. We provide a distinctive combination of tax planning, compliance and regulatory experience with industry knowledge to help you navigate the changing landscape and ensure you stay on top of the tax and business issues that are important to you.
Why PwC
Our unique value proposition: the right partner with the right expertise for the long term
A passionate team that lives and breathes the media industry
Deep Canadian and global expertise, giving you confidence that issues are solved efficiently and effectively
We help throughout the entire process to ensure all concerns are addressed right from the beginning
Let us show you how we can leverage our global network of over 3,900 entertainment and media industry-dedicated professionals to get the most for your business.
