Source : www.news.ontario.ca

The Ontario government’s strong support for the province’s film and television production industry has helped the industry record its best year ever — contributing $1.26 billion to the provincial economy last year.

Premier Dalton McGuinty visited Mr. X Inc. visual effects production studio in Toronto today. He talked about how Ontario’s film and television tax credits help the industry compete in an economy challenged by a continuing strong Canadian dollar, aggressive competition from other cities and a lingering global recession.

There are 30,000 full-time direct and spin-off jobs in the film and television industry in Ontario. In March, Ontario led Canada in job creation generally with 46,000 new jobs.

The 2012 Ontario Budget, now being debated in the Legislature, is a strong plan for jobs and growth that will help protect the gains Ontario has made in schools and health care.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s 2011 film & TV production activity contributed $1.26 billion to the economy — an increase of $300 million or 31 per cent over 2010.

• Spending was up in virtually all areas, including a 165 per cent increase in domestic film production and a 34 per cent increase in domestic television series.

• Every million dollars of film and TV production in Ontario generates 23 full-time direct and spin-off jobs.