The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation favours the HST but it wasn't invited to join a Liberal-friendly coalition hyping the controversial 12-per-cent sales tax.

"Those groups probably don't want to see the NDP get back in, we're non-partisan," said B.C. director Maureen Bader, who campaigned for the HST to be reduced to 10 percent.

"Our group is really made up of business associations, the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation is not a business association," said Smart Tax Alliance spokesman Jock Finlayson. "However if we hadn't spoken to them about joining that was an oversight on our part."

Smart Tax Alliance claimed last Thursday the HST would lower costs for film and TV producers.

"It's interesting that it's coming from the film industry, which is one of the biggest recipients of targeted tax credits from the government," Bader said.

Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society said the HST will harm indie directors and producers.

"All of our in house rental services that were previously 5 percent GST are now 12 percent HST," said member services coordinator Leanne Mackrow. "This would include things like our film studio and editing suites to name a few. It definitely impacts the independent filmmaker negatively."

Bob Mackin reports for 24 Hours Vancouver.