Emerging Television Producers Win Awards

Film producers Margaret Harrison and Dugald McLaren are both $30,000 winners in Nova Scotia's first television Bridge Awards. Each award includes a $15,000 equity investment from the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC), a $5,000 broadcast licence from CBC Television, Atlantic Region, and $10,000 worth of production services.

"Ms. Harrison and Mr. McLaren will have a network of skilled mentors and professionals behind them as they produce their films," said Gordon Balser, Minister of the Office of Economic Development, who is responsible for the NSFDC. "This award is much more than an investment in a couple of films, it's an investment in the continued growth of Nova Scotia's film industry."

"The passion and commitment displayed by the filmmakers who pitched to the jury are a clear demonstration of the creativity found in so many Gemini and Genie award-winning Nova Scotia filmmakers," said Ann MacKenzie, CEO of the film development corporation. "The new cast of emerging filmmakers promises to continue the impressive growth and success of Nova Scotia's film and television industry."

Nine applications were received for the awards, and six were chosen to go before the jury. The award, announced last December, is a program of the film development corporation 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 pleased to partner with the NSFDC to continue CBC Television's long-standing tradition of supporting emerging filmmakers in this region," said Ron Crocker, regional director of CBC Television, Atlantic Region. "We're as delighted as the filmmakers are to be able to broadcast this exciting new work region-wide in spring 2003."

Ms. Harrison, of Halifax, will be producing Quilts, a half-hour drama about a former high school hockey star now in his 20s. He must overcome a hockey injury and try to fit into a new life. The writer and director of the film is Halifax-based Brian Heighton.

Mr. McLaren, based in Tantallon, will produce the half-hour comedy The Back of the House. The main character is an idealist sous-chef who works in a fine restaurant. The film's writer is Evan Kelly, and Scott Simpson is the director.

For more information on the Bridge Awards, visit the NSFDC Web site at www.film.ns.ca/film/specialform.html. Applications for the 2003 awards will be accepted in the fall.