The film industry is fighting a misconception. Some people believe the industry's tax credits come directly from everyone's taxes, explained an organizer of the Facebook group, Save BC Films.

"Some people think the film industry is looking for a handout, but that is not the case," said Don Emond, a Maple Ridge resident who works in transportation in the film industry.

"We do not affect the taxpayers at all. This is new money coming in," he said, explaining that a tax credit is synonymous with a damage deposit.

"We live, eat, and breathe in this community. The more I'm working, the more I'm spending," said Garry Brook, who raised a family of five in Maple Ridge and works as a key grip.

Brook said he has made a "good living" while working in the film industry, but he is concerned that, if the government doesn't offer a competitive incentive similar to those offered in Ontario and Quebec, the film industry in B.C. will collapse.

"We are not asking for anything extra, just to be competitive with the other provinces," said Michele Dutka, a Maple Ridge resident who has worked as an assistant director for 19 years.

"Thirty-seven states and eight provinces have better tax credits [than B.C.]," she added.

Currently, there are about 700 Maple Ridge residents employed in the film industry, said Bill Morrill, who has lived in Maple Ridge for 25 years and is a lead hand in construction for the industry.

Sandy Blue knows well the impact of the film industry on the community.

"I think we have a wide range of scenery - it's very beautiful here - but we also have the talent," said the economic development strategist for the District.

Since 2006 the District has had a full-time film production liaison, she explained.

"This group impressed on me that this is local people and local jobs. I'm interested in knowing what the full impact of the jobs is," Blue added.

In 2012 Maple Ridge had 48 productions, which produced an estimated economic impact of $2.4 million. The District made $81,325 in permit and licence revenue.

However, the area lost an additional nine big-budget movies to the eastern provinces.

"Ontario and Quebec are all in for labour wages and materials - anything involved in [production], and here in B.C. we are labour only," said Dutka.

There will be a town hall meeting to discuss the economic impact of losing the industry.

Keep Calm and Save BC Film will be at The ACT on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

smclaren@mrtimes.com