Film and Television Industry Continues to Shine

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Film and Television Industry Continues to Shine

Nova Scotia's film and television industry continued its solid performance in 2002-03, achieving its fifth consecutive year with production spending exceeding the hundred-million-dollar mark.

The industry employed close to 2,000 Nova Scotians and spent $118 million directly in the province's economy. Of the $118 million, local production contributed $63 million while guest production contributed $55 million, according to information compiled by the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC).

"This steady performance reinforces Nova Scotia's reputation as a key provider of engaging stories and appealing locations," said Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke. "The film and television industry is taking its place as an integral part of Nova Scotia's growing economy."

Local filmmakers capped a busy year of film and television production with an outstanding 31 Gemini nominations in November of 2002.

The feature film Marion Bridge, based on a novel by Cape Breton writer Daniel MacIvor, was shot early in the year and screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in the fall. imX communications completed the fourth of its five slated digital films called Love That Boy and director Thom Fitzgerald completed the feature film The Event starring Olympia Dukakis, Sarah Polley, and Don McKellar.

This year, Nova Scotia producers continue to create entertaining and award-winning television series and specials. The third season of the hugely popular Trailer Park Boys was shot along with the comedic happenings of Made in Canada and This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Other television series include the animated Olliver's Adventures, Rideau Hall -- starring Bette MacDonald, the reality series Tall Ship Chronicles and the popular food shows Chef at Large, the Food Hunter, and Red, Hot and Ready. Television specials shot this past year include Denise Djokic: Yesterday Today Tomorrow, The Nevermind Year and Table Hockey.

The industry is made up mostly of small- and medium-sized businesses. These companies employ Nova Scotians year-round, create Nova Scotia intellectual properties and service both local and guest productions. They provide the necessary base to keep the industry going and growing.

"The talents and abilities of Nova Scotia's film and television industry are recognized across North America," said Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the corporation. "And the province's spectacular locations are showing up on big and small screens with increasing regularity."

Guest productions have brought an exciting collection of recognizable celebrities to the province this past year. The feature film A Hole in One from Beech Hill Films starred Michelle Williams of Dawson's Creek fame and musician-turned-actor Meatloaf. Movies for CBS, The Christmas Shoes and Family Doctor, featured Rob Lowe and Paul Sorvino respectively. Lifetime's movies Homeless to Harvard, A Family's Decision and Hunger Point saw Thora Birch, Kathy Baker and Barbara Hershey enjoying Nova Scotia hospitality. Jane Seymour filmed Heart of a Stranger for Lifetime-Women's channel and Rosanna Arquette filmed Rush of Fear for Carlton America. The new year brought two new productions to Nova Scotia -- Martha Inc., a Martha Stewart biography starring Cybill Shepherd and Footsteps starring Candice Bergen.

Nova Scotia features appealing locations, experienced crew and a well-developed infrastructure base. This, combined with the film industry tax credit and the film development corporation's programs, means guest productions continue coming to Nova Scotia.

The film development corporation is committed to working with its partners to stimulate investment and employment in the province's film industry and to promote Nova Scotia's producers, productions, locations, skills and creativity in global markets.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation reporting to the Minister of Economic Development. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to build the capacity and competitiveness of the province's film, television and new media industries.