American Customs: Quebec Audiovisual Industry in Peril

AQTIS 514 IATSE, representing 8,000 audiovisual professionals in Quebec, reacts with consternation to the 100% tariffs that the American president is considering imposing on films shot abroad.

"If this is indeed implemented, it's a devastating decision, not only for our members but also for the entire Quebec and Canadian film ecosystem, already weakened by the pandemic in addition to the American writers' and actors' strikes in 2023," states the president of AQTIS 514 IATSE, Bernard Larivière.

It is worth noting that implementing such a measure would be complex, as it is very rare for an American film to be produced in a single country. For example, filming may take place in Montreal, special effects in another country, and post-production in the United States.

"We are in direct contact with our partners at IATSE in the United States, and we will quickly establish a game plan based on the various developments. It is certain that the well-being of our members is paramount, and they should know that the situation concerns us as much as it concerns them. We will keep them constantly informed of the situation and the actions we will take," adds the president of AQTIS 514 IATSE.

Significant Numbers

Each year, more than twelve American productions are filmed in Quebec, the majority of them in Montreal, generating major economic benefits for the province. According to the Quebec Film and Television Council (BCTQ), the economic benefits of foreign shoots in Quebec were $399 million recorded in 2023 and $526 million in 2022. And this does not include the salaries of the crews working on the productions.

A single American production employs approximately 1,000 local technicians in various trades, such as lighting technicians, camera operators, and editors, etc.

The impact of a decrease in production in Quebec would extend far beyond the direct visual production sector: the effects would also be felt in other sectors of the economy, namely hotels, restaurants, equipment rental companies, and much more.