Picture perfect: Federal funding boosts film industry success
News release
NL’s film and television industry celebrates $1 billion in production and continued federal support
December 18, 2025 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunties Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian film and television are reaching new heights, with PictureNL recently celebrating $1 billion in production activity. Building on this momentum, the Government of Canada is investing in projects that will help the industry explore opportunities to expand on the international stage.
During PictureNL’s celebration this week, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, announced a non-repayable contribution of $296,191 to boost PictureNL’s international business development. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
This investment supports strategic projects to enter new markets and will help Atlantic Canadian production companies meet with foreign industry professionals, promoting creativity, global partnerships, and the region’s strengths worldwide.
This announcement reflects the government’s commitment to investing in local talent and showcasing the diverse stories and places that make the region unique. This funding will create jobs, attract business and boost economic growth.
Quotes
Congratulations to PictureNL on an incredible milestone—$1 billion in production activity since 1997. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects the talent, hard work, and creativity that’s here in Newfoundland and Labrador. This investment will help create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and make sure our stories—and our landscapes—keep reaching audiences around the world, while bringing more productions here at home.”
- The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“PictureNL is thrilled to receive this federal support, it allows us to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television production industry as a driver of economic growth. By opening doors to international markets, we can attract investment, create more local jobs, and ensure our province continues to benefit from the global demand for our compelling stories.”- Mark Sexton, Board Chair, PictureNL
Quick facts
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PictureNL, previously the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, is the main provincial agency supporting film and TV production through equity, tax credits, and development programs. Its five programs help both local and external producers grow the province’s production sector.
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PictureNL held its $1 billion in production activity celebration in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on the evening of Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
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The non-repayable funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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PictureNL, based in Newfoundland and Labrador, is leading this project to boost international opportunities in Atlantic Canada's film and television industry through strategic missions with regional producers.
Associated links
Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Paul.mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Laura Churchill
CEO
PictureNL
709-738-3456
Laura@picturenl.ca