Eight Selected for Film-Video Work
The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC) has selected eight young Nova Scotians to participate in the third Nova Scotia First Works Program, being held this year in the greater Preston area until April 13.
The program, which ran its pilot projects last year in Sydney and Shelburne, provides young people from 18 to 29 years old, out of school and unemployed, with hands-on experience in the basics of film and video production, as well as a modest income.
For eight weeks, the team will partner with experienced filmmaker Sylvia Hamilton and a personal leadership facilitator. Hamilton is a distinguished African Nova Scotian filmmaker with an impressive list of broadcast credits, including Black Mother, Black Daughter, and Portia White.
The team will be responsible for all aspects of film and video production, including script development, production management, the film shoot and final edit.
The program will take place in Tour Tech East studios at the same time as the production of Shipping News, starring Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, Judi Dench and Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore. It is an opportunity for participants to be exposed to a wider range of contacts and industry work.
Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser applauded the program for expanding and promoting opportunities for youth to enter the workplace. “A few months ago, the thought of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kevin Spacey and Judi Dench might have seemed like a far-flung dream to these youngsters -- as might the idea of a job in the film industry,” he said. “This program is all about harnessing creativity and creating opportunity. It opens the door a little into an industry that’s booming in this province.”
Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the NSFDC agrees. “We’re extremely excited about this project,” she said. “It exposes our youth to the possibilities of employment in the field, providing a clear focus and direction, as well as the experience necessary to be considered for a first work placement or further education. Additionally, it allows our youth to channel their energies into a creative field, resulting in a positive contribution to their communities.”
The program encourages self-expression, teamwork, responsibility, patience and other essential employment skills within a creative environment. Participants also gain experience in resume writing, interviewing and other life-development skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic industry of film. The participants’ completed videos will be screened during the Atlantic Film Festival in September and the Black Cultural Centre this spring.
Nova Scotia’s film and television production industry has grown dramatically in the last seven years.
“It will continue to thrive, provided the demand for skilled film crews in the province are met,” MacKenzie adds.
The Nova Scotia First Works Program is made possible through the support of HRDC. The community sponsor is Watershed Association Development Enterprises Ltd. and the personal development and life/work component was designed by Heartwood, an organization specializing in youth and life/work development.
For more information on the First Works Program, such as planning the program for your community, contact Heather Oke, NSFDC’s Director of Learning and Development at 902-424-7177.