Investment puts focus on Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing film industry
News release
Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invest over $2 million combined to support independent filmmaking organizations
October 20, 2023 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
With Newfoundland and Labrador providing the ultimate cinematic backdrop and an international reputation for production excellence, the province’s film industry is poised for long-term success. The federal and provincial governments are investing to help industry grow, compete and reach new markets – at home and abroad.
Federal and provincial support strengthens film industry
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, along with Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, announced two investments totalling just over $1.5 million for the Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative Limited (NIFCO) and PictureNL (formerly known as the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation). The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, also announced $499,000 for NIFCO.
These investments will help NIFCO upgrade production facilities and equipment to meet current industry standards and remain competitive in the digital innovation space. With these improvements, NIFCO will be able to better support filmmakers with enhanced media storage, picture, sound, and professional development. The investment will also help PictureNL conduct business activities to promote the industry in targeted markets, regionally and internationally.
Both the federal and provincial governments are committed to building up the industry all across Atlantic Canada. This will strengthen Atlantic Canada’s film and television industry, opening the door to direct and indirect economic benefits across all sectors.
Quotes
“From Disney to the Republic of Doyle, Newfoundland and Labrador is a destination of choice for storytellers from far and wide. The federal government is helping tell the world our story and bring the world’s stories to us. All while creating good jobs and building our communities.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Thanks to today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is furthering its commitment to an industry that has become an integral part of the economy. We have many talented people here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and continued support for these organizations will enhance their ability to grow and prosper even more.”- Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament, St. John’s East
“NIFCO plays a crucial role in the growth, development and success of the provincial film industry and we are proud to support them as they work to broaden the scope of projects they can apply for and execute. This funding will also enable the organization to offer up-to-date and cutting edge post-production services to international companies searching for co-producers. With approximately 1,400 full-time jobs currently in the film and television industry in this province, there are still significant growth and career opportunities available right here at home.”
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“ACOA’s contribution to NIFCO’s technology upgrades is critical because it enables us to keep established producers competitive, continually nurture the next generation and maintain Newfoundland and Labrador production quality at the top of international buyers’ demands. We are grateful for ACOA’s continued support of the Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-op and the industry here.”
- Jennice Ripley, Executive Director, NIFCO
“ACOA’s contributions to business development activities in the film and television industry are crucial to building capacity in our region and increasing the export marketing potential for our producers and their projects. On behalf of PictureNL, I would like to thank ACOA for their continued support of Atlantic Canada’s film and television industry.”- Laura Churchill, CEO & Film Commissioner, PictureNL
Quick facts
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The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Cooperative Limited (NIFCO) is receiving a non-repayable investment of $1,125,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to enhance equipment, technology and its facilities. The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is investing $499,000 towards the project through its Regional Development Fund.
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PictureNL (formerly the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation) is receiving a non-repayable investment of $427,482 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to conduct regional and pan-Atlantic international business activities.
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NIFCO provides high-end finishing to feature films, documentaries and television series produced by some of Canada’s most established and highly regarded companies. Independent filmmakers making feature films with modest budgets can finish their projects at NIFCO in a supportive environment.
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PictureNL is the lead agency for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for investments in film and television productions through its equity, tax credit and development programs. Through its five programs, it offers local producers and outside producers/productions the support needed to help the province’s production sector to flourish.
Associated links
Contacts
Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Brodie Thomas
Media Relations Manager
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248; 709-725-3759
Jennice Ripley
Executive Director
Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative (NIFCO)
709-727-6045
Laura Churchill
CEO & Film Commissioner
PictureNL
709-738-3423
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