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Last May, Quebec’s VFX and animation industry was trying to fight a proposed change to the tax credit system. Studios like Rodeo FX, MPC, and Hybride VFX expressed concern about the potential loss of projects from their clients (particularly major American studios). They requested at least a postponement of the change, especially since the Hollywood strikes had significantly affected the industry: it shrank from 8,000 jobs at the end of 2022 to fewer than 5,000 by the end of 2023.
An Industry in Peril
The proposed tax credit changes were ultimately implemented without any postponement, and the fears proved justified. Canadian media, such as CBC and La Presse, published articles about the effects this change had on the industry. Ontario, France, the UK, and Australia have now become more attractive than Quebec, offering larger credits for studios.
A sit-in was organized in June, with over 700 participants according to the organizers (the speech given at the sit-in is available online, in French). However, it had no effect on the local government.
The number of jobs continued to decline throughout 2024, and there are around 3,000 people currently working in the industry, according to the Quebec Film and Television Bureau. But this number keeps shrinking.
100,000 Signatures to Turn the Tide?
This led to a new initiative, launched by Matthieu Chatelier (Compositing Supervisor at Folks Studio) with help from other industry members and supported by Quebec MP Pascal Bérubé.
It’s an official petition on the Quebec National Assembly website. The petition calls for the suspension of the changes made to the tax credit system and a reopening of social dialogue with Quebec’s visual effects industry. A website has also been launched to explain the initiative. It provides some figures and also emphasizes the significant investments Quebec has made in education, highlighting that VFX animation students can no longer find jobs after graduation.
Matthieu Chatelier hopes to reach 100,000 signatures by the petition’s deadline (November 5), which would give the initiative more weight with the government. He encourages industry members to share the petition with their families and with related sectors, such as the video game industry. So far, about 9,000 people have signed.
We will, of course, continue to monitor the outcome of this petition.
Illustration: Screenshot from the website associated with the petition.
