After the government's decision to ax the film employment tax credit in the most recent provincial budget, the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association (SMPIA) is asking for support from the public.

SMPIA’s President, Ron Goetz is asking for your voice to be heard by the government about “how the film industry has positively affected the lives of Saskatchewan people from the student getting a film degree at the University of Regina to the many, many everyday Saskatchewan people who understand the importance of jobs, investment, promotion, culture and creative expression.”

In Goetz’s public appeal, he explains that an Action Committee has been created to assist individuals in one or more of the following actions:

OPTION #1:  Volunteer to be a Team Captain who will give some hours to organize letter deliveries, make phone calls, update social media, organise other advocacy efforts.  Contact the SMPIA office:  Vanessa@smpia.sk.ca

OPTION #2:  Tweet, tweet and tweet some more.  To reach the Premier:  @PremierBradWall

OPTION #3:  Below is a template for a letter to the Premier – SMPIA will get it to the legislative for you, just add a personal sentence and your name and email it back.  We are looking to have as many physical letters of support delivered as possible before next Thursday when the budget is voted on.

OPTION #4:  Get your personal story to media.  If you want to add your comments to the many that have made the media – write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper telling them why the film industry is important to you.

While you are sending a letter to the Premier or tweeting him, you can remind the government that this industry was devasted in Saskatchewan when SCN was privatized in 2010, and this is just further harm to the thousands of men and woman who make a living in television and film.

If you are interested in getting involved, check out SMPIA’s website.