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Nova Scotia

25% Base Rate Up to ~35% with bonuses combined with federal
Service Production Fund (Bankable) Last updated: April 2026

Rugged Atlantic coastline, the colorful streets of Halifax, and historic fishing villages — a go-to for maritime and period productions.

Nova Scotia's Film & Television Production Incentive Fund is bankable and uncapped by program budget — when over-committed, funding is increased so no eligible projects are turned away. US service productions qualify for Stream II at 25% of eligible NS spend. (Stream I at 26% requires ≥50% NS ownership.) Bonuses for rural filming, extended shoots, and distant locations can add up to ~10% more.

Incentive Programs

Stream II (Service)25% of eligible NS spend (for US/foreign productions)
Stream I (NS-owned)26% — requires ≥50% NS ownership (not typical for US productions)
Rural Bonus+2% for ≥50% of principal photography outside Halifax area
Extended Shoot+1% for shoots exceeding 30 days in NS
Distant LocationUp to +10% based on distance from Halifax
NS ContentUp to +3% Nova Scotia Content Incentive
Federal PSTC+16% on qualified Canadian labour (stacks)

Post-Production & VFX Standalone Eligible

Yes — 'Post Only' is an explicitly eligible production type under the fund. Standalone post-production projects can apply.

Minimum Spend

$25,000 minimum eligible NS spend (before HST). Per-project cap of $10M.

VFX Rate

No separate VFX bonus. Post-production costs count toward the all-spend 25–26% base rate. Additional 1.5–3% incentive available if 75% of post-production is carried out in NS.

Nova Scotia's fund is bankable — meaning it can be used as collateral for production financing. This is a significant advantage for cash flow. The $10M project cap accommodates most mid-size productions. Apply before start of principal photography.

Key Details & Nuances

Admin BodyScreen Nova Scotia
Spend TypeAll-spend fund (bankable, uncapped by program budget)
Minimums$25K NS spend (before HST); $10M project cap
Post Bonus+1.5–3% if 75% of post done in NS
TimingApply before start of principal photography

Last updated: April 2026. Always confirm current rates with the provincial film commission before budgeting.

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