Film School Model to be Identified

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corp. today announced the formation of two committees to research and identify a film school model for Nova Scotia.

The committees are the result of a feasibility study, completed in May, that indicated demand for film school training exists in the province and that certain models could be self-sustaining.

The committees, comprising industry, government and public volunteers, will study two distinct areas: curriculum and finance. David Clarke of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design will chair the curriculum committee. Ann MacKenzie, director of finance for the film development corporation, will serve as interim chair of the finance committee until a member of the community is appointed. The committees will meet jointly in late October to present their reports.

The first film school courses are expected to begin in the fall of 1999. Inquiries should be directed to the film development corporation.

"There's been tremendous community interest in developing a film school here," said Anne-Marie Varner, chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Film Development Corp. "It's this enthusiasm that's behind the tight deadlines we've set for assessing our options and identifying a scenario that's right for our province and the local industry."

The feasibility study was funded through the federal/provincial COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The study examined existing film schools, curricula, pricing and demand, economic feasibility and the degree of local support. It was prepared by Coopers and Lybrand Consulting.