Bridge Award Enhanced in 2005

Emerging filmmakers are receiving even more help from two industry veterans. The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC) and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) announced today, Feb. 18, that they are increasing the value of the CBC/NSFDC Bridge Award for emerging producers.

The CBC/NSFDC Bridge Award is granted to eligible producers to help in the production of a half-hour or one-hour television production. It includes a regional broadcast license from the CBC, CBC services, and an NSFDC investment. The partners have increased their combined involvement from $30,000 to $40,000.

"The Bridge Award has proven to be an important next step for filmmakers who have some experience but have not yet produced for television," said Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the film corporation. "In a very competitive industry, this award opens the door for newcomers."

"I am impressed with the talent and creativity the Bridge Award has helped identify," said Ron Crocker, regional director of television and senior director of programming for CBC Atlantic. "It is very satisfying for the CBC to help nurture new talent at the front end, and then to be able to televise the finished works. It's the kind of development that works for everybody."

The Bridge Award began in 2002. To date, six awards have been granted. Past recipients include Sonya Jampolsky for Chamberpiece, Margaret Harrison for Quilts, Dugald McLaren for Back of the House, Jay Dahl for After Frank, Paul McNeill for Little Claus and Big Claus, and the producing team of Sean Doyle, Chris Fost and Tom Ryan for A Cape Breton Ghost Story.

"The bridge program has definitely affected me positively -- primarily through relationships established with both the broadcaster, CBC, and with the film development corporation. Additionally, I improved my leadership skills and in turn I earned some crew credential," said Mr. Dugald McLaren, a past recipient of the award.

Ms. Harrison agrees. "The Bridge Award was another great chance to learn and create -- not only a visual product but a chance to create relationships with funding agencies, broadcasters, post- production companies, other producers and filmmakers," she said.

Further information is available on the website at www.film.ns.ca .