Partners Establish New Filmmaker's Award

Film producers who have their eye on their first longer production will soon be able to win the opportunity to reach this career milestone. The new Television Bridge Award announced today by the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC) and CBC Television, Atlantic Region, will assist in the production of such a project and guarantee an audience.

The Bridge Award is designed to provide an opportunity for emerging Nova Scotia producers who are ready to make their first half-hour or one-hour project for television. Recipients will broaden their experience of producing and delivering their independent work for broadcast.

"This is a great way to help promising film makers jump to the next level of production," said Ann MacKenzie, CEO of the NSFDC. "The opportunity to participate in programs like the Bridge Award ensures that Nova Scotia's film industry continues the spectacular growth it has achieved in the past."

The program offers up to two awards every February. Each award includes a $15,000 equity investment from the NSFDC, a $5,000 broadcast licence from CBC Television Atlantic Region and $10,000 worth of production services.

"There are many talented producers in Nova Scotia who are ready to make the leap from smaller projects to a half-hour or full one-hour production ready for broadcast," said Ron Crocker, Regional Director of CBC Television, Atlantic Region. "We look forward to providing production services and a broadcast licence to the winner."

Qualified participants will be Nova Scotia residents with previous experience in the film and/or video production industry. They must have not yet sold a half-hour or longer project to a broadcaster or distributor. Applicants must have a mentor and a registered business under which to produce film and television projects.

"We are proud to support efforts to make training and professional development opportunities available to our film industry," said Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "With one or two new Nova Scotia producers airing their productions every year, it won't be long before more of our talented producers are in demand."

Projects will be pitched to an industry jury. The jury's decisions will be based on the quality of the treatment, the producer's demonstrated competence in producing film or video projects, the mentor's level of commitment, the financing structure, budget and marketing plan. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2002.