Screen NS Executive Director Laura MacKenzie speaking during the wrap event for The Sinner Season 4 in Lunenburg, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor.
Nova Scotia’s film industry faces uncertain times as the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) raises concerns about the production schedules and economic viability of the sector.
Screen Nova Scotia, the primary advocate for the film industry in the province, has expressed their views on the potential consequences of the strike.
According to Laura Mackenzie, Executive Director of Screen Nova Scotia, “SAG-AFTRA Performers engaged in Canada under an existing contract, including SAG-AFTRA members and dual SAG-AFTRA/ACTRA members who are residents in the United States, may continue to work under that contract. SAG-AFTRA is not currently asking Performers in these circumstances to withdraw services. Nova Scotia also has shows that do not have SAG actors that will continue as planned.”
Regarding the information provided to the membership, Mackenzie stated, “Screen Nova Scotia defers to the local unions and guilds to keep their memberships apprised of ongoing strike-related updates. Unfortunately, these situations are unpredictable. We do hope amicable terms can be reached as soon as possible.”
When asked about the potential impact on filming schedules of upcoming productions, Mackenzie explained, “There may be a delay in some projects’ start dates, but that remains uncertain. If it does impact production, we’ll see delayed production come to life almost instantly once terms are reached. If possible, Screen Nova Scotia will work with our community to help ensure as many of the productions that are planned for this year are able to film in this calendar year.”
Considering the financial implications of the strike continuing all summer, Mackenzie stated, “If we’re able to complete the intended projects in this fiscal year, we’ll not see an impact on the production volume. If not, we’ll see a decrease from last year’s record numbers. It remains unclear how productions in NS will be impacted if at all.”
Expressing concerns about events like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Mackenzie commented, “I think there’s a real possibility that events such as TIFF could be impacted. Nova Scotia producers rely on events such as TIFF to showcase their projects, meet with executives to find partners to sell their projects internationally. This would be a significant loss.”
As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, stakeholders in Nova Scotia’s film industry closely monitor the situation, hoping for a swift resolution that would mitigate the potential negative consequences on productions, schedules, and important industry events.
