Keeping Nova Scotia on the National Screen

N.S. FILM DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Keeping Nova Scotia on the National Screen

Nova Scotia will be home to at least 14 new television, film and new media projects in the coming year.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation has approved investments of just over $1.5 million in upcoming projects including equity investments in 10 television specials, series or pilots and three feature films; development loans for a television special and a series; and investments in new media and training initiatives.

Cumulative budgets on these projects will exceed $29 million with $22 million of direct spending in the province.

"Nova Scotia's film industry employs more than 2,000 people and acts as a magnet for new business, immigrants, and visitors," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage. "These investments build on that important capacity and also include training opportunities for those just entering the industry to gain some valuable hands-on experience."

The film development corporation holds funding rounds three times each year -- in February, May and September -- when Nova Scotia production companies have the opportunity to apply for development loans or equity investment. Loan and investment projects must have a firm commitment from television broadcasters in order to be considered. Investments in feature films require a firm commitment from a distributor.

"The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation strives to ensure that Nova Scotia's film industry remains at the forefront of the national scene," said CEO Ann MacKenzie. "As a fundamental component of the province's cultural industry, the film sector contributes to the creative and cultural vitality of the province."

"Being in a creative business in Nova Scotia is a wonderful opportunity," said Jay Dahl of Halifax-based Black Dog Films. Black Dog is receiving an equity investment for a half-hour comedy television pilot for CBC entitled Cheap Draft, Bad Language, Fast Cars, Women and a Video Camera.

"My company has all the tools we need to make our ideas a reality -- a talented workforce, great locations, and a business environment that supports creative enterprises. The provincial government's film programs and services will allow me to grow my company in the coming years."

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. The provincial film industry is the fourth largest in Canada, regularly exceeding $100 million annually.

For more information on the corporation and its programs and services see the website at www.film.ns.ca .