July 2, 2015 – Stratford, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
Today, Member of Parliament for Perth–Wellington Gary Schellenberger announced support for a digitization project that will help diversify the economy in Stratford and surrounding areas by creating a regional film industry centred in Stratford.
FedDev Ontario is providing the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEED Co.) with a contribution of up to $3-million to deliver the Stratford Festival HD project, the first of its kind in Canada. SEED Co. is delivering this project in partnership with Melbar Entertainment Group and the Stratford Festival.
This three-year project aims to enhance the Stratford Festival's offerings by digitizing nine live theatre performances from the festival, which will be made available to national and international audiences through cinemas, television and video-on-demand services. The first three films were screened by Cineplex Front Row Centre Events earlier this year and will air on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) this fall.
In addition to this, SEED Co. and the University of Waterloo will develop complementary products that will include interactive games and applications specifically for the education market. The Stratford Festival HD project also leverages the region's existing cultural and digital industries and supports the tourism sector. This project aligns with Digital Canada 150's goal to provide easy online access to Canadian content that celebrates Canadian history, arts and culture, which can be shared with a global audience.
The Government of Canada's contribution is through FedDev Ontario's Investing in Regional Diversification (IRD) initiative, which is aimed at supporting the long-term development of stronger, more diverse economies in southern Ontario communities. IRD leverages unique regional assets and local expertise to attract new investment and opportunities for economic growth and development.
Erica Furtado
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-943-7599
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
FDO.Media-Medias.FDO@FedDevOntario.gc.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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