Provincial Film Industry to Develop Long-term Strategy
N.S. FILM DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Provincial Film Industry to Develop Long-term Strategy
The Nova Scotia film industry is focusing on a new project -- an industry-wide long-term strategy.
A Canadian consulting firm, Nordicity Group Ltd., has been selected to develop a long-term strategy that will build on the recent successes of various industry participants while preparing the nation's fourth largest film industry for an even more successful future.
"The initiative now underway will give the industry the strategic direction needed to reach even greater heights," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage. "I commend those with the vision and foresight to make it happen, and look forward to the results."
The strategy -- funded by the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation, Nova Scotia Economic Development and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) -- will consist of two phases. The first is an economic impact analysis, examining the costs related to generating film activity and assessing the benefits to the economy, society and culture. The second phase will be the creation of a strategic plan.
"The film industry in Atlantic Canada is a growing presence," said Joseph McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "With our pool of creative talent, and our commitment to the arts, the region -- and Nova Scotia in particular -- is well positioned to serve as a centre for this industry."
Ann MacKenzie, CEO of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation, said the long-term strategy is expected to identify opportunities, reduce duplication and set a course for long-term growth for a wide variety of industry participants. "A cohesive and co-ordinated effort is required if we want to continue to be leaders on the global stage," she said.
That united approach will have lasting benefits said Steve Comeau, chair of the Nova Scotia Film Industry Stakeholders Taskforce. "Existing infrastructure has carried us far but, for the most part, support is available for production elements only," he said. "Skills development, education, access to capital and infrastructure development are just some of the challenges we're facing. This strategy will give us the tools we need to address them at the community level."
The task force was formed in December 2003 to guide the planning process for a five-year industry strategy. Task force members represent a number of industry and government partners including education and training organizations, labour groups, producers, broadcasters, funding agencies and various government departments.
The province's film industry employs about 2,000 Nova Scotians and has generated more than $500 million for the provincial economy over the last five years. In the past year, local producers completed 10 feature films, 28 television series, three movies of the week, 50 television specials and five new media projects. Foreign producers shot one feature film, nine movies of the week and three specials.
Nordicity Group Ltd. frequently works with industry and policymakers in the Canadian film and television production industry. It has been involved in such projects as the Canadian Film and Television Producers Association's annual economic profile and has done work for the National Film Board, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers and for Radio Canada International.