Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm Canada Partner to Support Emerging Filmmakers

Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm Canada are combining forces to deliver the First Feature Project.

Investing in Nova Scotia's filmmaking talent for more than 20 years, both corporations recognize the importance of encouraging emerging producers, directors, and writers to create new productions.

"The First Feature Project allows us to cultivate and encourage the talent in Nova Scotia," said Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia. "As emerging filmmakers progress in their careers, the film industry in Nova Scotia will reap the economic and cultural benefits of bigger and better productions being created locally."

The First Feature Project will provide financing to a producer, director, writer team for the production of their first feature film. To qualify, applicants must have produced at least two professional short films, and one of them must have screened at a major Canadian or international film festival. Project information can be found at www.filmnovascotia.com.

This is the first time Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm Canada have partnered on a project aimed at developing talent and are expecting to see strong interest from the industry.

"This project is a good example of how like-minded organizations can work in partnership," said Gord Whittaker, regional director of Telefilm Canada. "This collaboration effort leverages our limited resources and responds to a need in Nova Scotia’s film industry."

Chaz Thorne, a local writer-producer-director and actor, is no stranger to the film industry in the province. With three feature films under his belt, Whirligig, Just Buried, and Poor Boy's Game, he understands the challenges of launching a feature film production.

"What an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming Nova Scotian filmmakers looking to make the leap to feature-length production," said Mr. Thorne. "It's great to see Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm working together to provide emerging creative teams with the financial support and guidance required to further establish their careers."

Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm Canada are inviting eligible filmmakers to attend the First Feature Project launch from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at the Carleton Restaurant, 1685 Argyle St., Halifax. At the event, participants can learn more about project eligibility and how to apply, and will also have the opportunity to meet with industry representatives and other filmmakers. Please e-mail [email protected] to secure a spot.

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund's programs.

Film Nova Scotia is a provincial Crown Corporation reporting to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to support the province's audiovisual industry. With an industry that employs almost 3,000 and contributes $100 million to the economy annually, Nova Scotia is among the largest production centres in Canada.