Nova Scotia Film, Television & Interactive Media Credits (2025 Guide)

Nova Scotia is a leading Canadian destination for film, television, and digital media production thanks to its competitive suite of tax credits and financial incentives. Whether you operate a production company, digital animation studio, or interactive media firm, understanding Nova Scotia's unique programs can significantly reduce your project costs and attract investment. This guide covers all major Nova Scotia film, television, and interactive media credits for 2025, including eligibility, claim tips, and how to combine with federal and other provincial incentives.

Film & Television Production Incentive Fund (NSFPIF): Nova Scotia’s flagship refundable incentive for eligible film/TV productions.
Digital Animation Tax Credit: Refundable credit for qualifying digital animation and visual effects projects.
Related: Interactive media, video game, XR, and digital content productions may qualify for additional supports.
Stackability: Most Nova Scotia credits can be claimed alongside federal incentives (e.g. Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, PSTC).

Halifax film production set with crew and professional cameras

1. Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund (NSFPIF)

What is it? A refundable tax credit-style grant, administered by Nova Scotia Creates, designed to support local and foreign film, TV, and documentary projects.
How much? Up to 26% of eligible Nova Scotia expenditures (including NS labour, goods/services, and eligible non-resident performers), plus bonus points for rural/regional production, frequent filming, or diversity inclusion.
Who qualifies? Incorporated production companies with a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia, eligible project types (feature film, TV, doc, animation), and minimum spend thresholds.
How to apply? Submit an application (with budget, script, Canadian content, and financing details) before principal photography begins. Pre-approval required; final claim submitted after project completion with audited cost report.
Stacking: Can be combined with federal Canadian Film/Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) or Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), as well as some international incentives.

2. Digital Animation & Visual Effects Tax Credit

What is it? A refundable credit for eligible Nova Scotia salaries and wages paid for digital animation, VFX, and post-production work on film, television, and interactive media projects.
How much? Up to 25% of qualifying Nova Scotia labour (may include bonuses for diversity, regional work, or innovation).
Who qualifies? Incorporated Nova Scotia-based animation and VFX studios, as well as out-of-province productions hiring NS talent.
How to apply? Apply via Nova Scotia Creates, typically requiring registration, project approval, and detailed labour reporting.
Stacking: Can be combined with the film/TV incentive fund and federal digital media/animation credits.

3. Interactive Media, Video Game & Digital Content Credits

What is it? While Nova Scotia does not have a standalone interactive digital media credit, many video game, VR, AR, and digital content productions can access the Digital Animation Tax Credit and/or the general Film & TV Production Incentive Fund.
Tip: If your project is digital-first (game, app, interactive experience), contact Nova Scotia Creates to review eligibility and maximize your claim.
Federal Stack: Most interactive/digital projects may also qualify for the federal Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC) or SR&ED.

4. Claim Process, Documentation & Tips

Pre-apply for all credits before starting principal photography or animation production. Late applications may be denied.
Maintain detailed records: payroll, contracts, invoices, Nova Scotia residency documentation, and diversity inclusion data if seeking bonuses.
Final claims require an audited cost report and supporting documents.
Consider consulting a Nova Scotia film/media accountant or grants expert for complex, high-budget, or international co-productions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Nova Scotia credits for out-of-province (or international) projects?

Foreign or out-of-province projects can qualify if they hire Nova Scotia-based crew/talent, have eligible Nova Scotia spend, and work with a Nova Scotia-incorporated production company. Some restrictions apply; check the program guidelines.

Can I combine Nova Scotia credits with federal or other provincial incentives?

Yes. Most Nova Scotia credits are stackable with the federal CPTC, PSTC, or IDMTC. Some international co-productions may also access incentives from other regions, but check for double-dipping rules.

What types of projects are ineligible?

Advertising, news, reality TV, sports, and certain corporate videos are generally ineligible. Projects must meet Canadian content, Nova Scotia spend, and genre/format rules.

Where can I get official guidelines?

Visit Nova Scotia Creates for the latest NSFPIF and Digital Animation Tax Credit guidelines, application forms, and contact info.

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