Award for Emerging Television Producers Launched

N.S. FILM DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Award for Emerging Television
Producers Launched

Nova Scotia's film and television community gathered in
Halifax today for the official launch of the new Television
Bridge Award for emerging producers.

The award, announced in December 2001, is a program of the
Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC) and CBC
Television, Atlantic Region. It 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.

"We're always looking at ways to help the local film and
television industry grow, and the Bridge Award will help us
with this goal," said Ann MacKenzie, CEO of the NSFDC. "The
award is important and not just because of the financial
component. Equally important are the mentoring, networking
and support structures imbedded in the program."

The program will offer 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.
Guidelines and the application form are available on the
NSFDC Web site at www.film.ns.ca/film/guidelines.html .

"We are delighted to partner with the NSFDC in developing
this new award and are excited about the prospect of
broadcasting the winning production on CBC Television in the
Atlantic region," said Ron Crocker, regional director of CBC
Television, Atlantic Region.

Qualified participants will be Nova Scotia residents with
previous experience in film or video production. They will
not yet have 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.

"Making the transition from first work to a career as a
producer can seem like an impossible challenge," said
emerging producer Natasha Ryan. "When applying for funding
it seems like everyone else has more experience and better
contacts."

Ryan added that the Bridge Award addresses the hurdles
presented to a new producer by narrowing the target group
eligible for funding, recognizing limited previous
experience, facilitating relationships with industry mentors
and offering a realistic and guided chance for broadcast.

The recently appointed six-member jury for the Bridge Award
includes Michael Donovan of Salter Street Films, Wayne
Grigsby of Big Motion Picture Ltd., and two representatives
from each the NSFDC and CBC.