Atlantic film and television industry screens new business opportunities
News release
Federal government supports activities to boost local film and television production
January 14, 2021 · St. John’s, NL · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada has an established film and television industry that contributes to cultural industry growth and creates direct and in-direct jobs. Since the pandemic has restricted international travel, the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC) is working with partners across the region to find creative ways to access global production partnerships, increase film production activity and grow the industry.
Federal government supports Atlantic Canada’s film industry
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced a non-repayable contribution of just over $308,000 to NLFDC for local and Atlantic-based activities.
This investment will allow NLFDC to develop a new roadmap outlining prospects and plans to guide NL’s industry growth. NLFDC will also work with Screen Nova Scotia, FilmPEI and New Brunswick Tourism, Heritage and Culture to capitalize on global film and television markets. This will include virtual consultations to help Atlantic-based production companies attract and negotiate co-productions with international filmmakers. The project also supports on-set training for stunts and special effects to fill skills gaps.
Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting business opportunities in international markets. Projects like this one help demonstrate how Atlantic Canada is building a diverse economy in a range of growing industries.
Quotes
“The global pandemic has meant that all businesses, including those in the film and video production industry, have had to adjust and find new ways to rebuild and tap into new opportunities. We are very pleased to support the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation as it works to build international partnerships that will create jobs and grow the Atlantic film and television industry. ”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“We tell stories here. And we tell them well! So, we’re making sure that filmmakers in our province can keep telling our stories and sharing our culture and history with the world.”
- The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl
“Film and television production companies find partners outside our region and in so doing leverage substantial new investments into our province, creating many creative and technically skilled jobs here. We are pleased to work with ACOA to grow our screen industries.”
- Dorian Rowe, Executive Director/Film Commissioner, Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC) promotes the growth of the film and television industry on behalf of the province through its investment programs.
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NLFDC is also the film commission, a role that includes responsibility for promoting the area as a shooting location and for co-productions.
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Dorian Rowe
Executive Director/Film Commissioner
Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
709-739-1670
dorian@nlfdc.ca
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