Nova Scotia Audiovisual Industry is Booming

The audiovisual industry in Nova Scotia generated $112 million in production activity in the 2010-11 fiscal year, rebounding from $97 million reported for 2009-10.

Local production accounted for 73 per cent of the activity, generating almost $81 million. This includes six feature films, 14 documentaries, 10 drama series, 12 lifestyle series, one animation series and one new media production.

With a surge in local productions, a number of projects have been making headlines for Nova Scotia. Hobo with a Shotgun, Jason Eisener's first feature film, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and made a huge splash across North America with its theatrical release in March 2011. Emerging filmmaker Noah Pink became the first Nova Scotian in many years invited to screen his production, ZedCrew, at the 42nd Directors' Fortnight at Cannes, a launching pad for directors such as Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee.

Local producers have also been highlighted for winning awards and participating in world-class programs. Josh MacDonald became the first North American writer to participate in the éQuinoxe Germany Screenwriters Workshop, where internationally known and experienced writers, directors and producers share their knowledge and experiences with the most promising talent the European and international film scene has to offer.

Also this year, Film Nova Scotia and the Independent Production Fund partnered to launch the Web Drama Series pilot program, providing equity financing to scripted drama series designed and produced for broadcast on the web. Local production company Stitch Media was selected as one of the recipients for, Moderation Town, an eight-episode comedy series about a few not-so-Internet-savvy workers as they are forced to adjust when a local factory is replaced by an Internet moderation company.

Eleven Nova Scotia productions have been nominated for the 26th Gemini Awards: 22 Minutes; Artzooka; Call Me Fitz; CBC News: Nova Scotia at Six; Ha!ifax Comedy Fest 2010; Haven; Pirates: Adventures in Art; That's So Weird; The Gospel According to the Blues; The Mighty Jungle; and TV with TV's Jonathan Torrens. With 16 nominations, Call Me Fitz is behind only CTV's Flashpoint, with 17 nominations.

Generating almost $31-million, 15 guest productions filmed in Nova Scotia: three feature films; one documentary; one drama series; one lifestyle series; eight animation series; and one new media production.

"The audiovisual industry continues to bring international attention and acclaim to the province. It allows us to showcase our talent through local and guest productions," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "This labour-intensive industry creates good jobs in Nova Scotia and is a strong contributor to the social and economic prosperity of the province."

Film Nova Scotia also supported many training and development initiatives for local producers throughout the year. Funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Film Nova Scotia hosted a business development trip to Los Angeles in June 2010 for seven emerging producers to the Produced by Conference. They also participated in a series of workshops and meetings with producers, production companies, studios and networks.

The Broadcaster/Distributor Forum in November 2010 gave Nova Scotia producers an opportunity to meet with key industry decision-makers. Some of the broadcasters and distributors in attendance included The Movie Network, The Comedy Network, Slice and Tvtropolis.

In December 2010, the province solidified its commitment to the industry by enhancing the Film Industry Tax Credit.

"The Film Industry Tax Credit in Nova Scotia is a key incentive for this vibrant and creative industry," said Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia. "The success we've experienced over the past year is a direct result of strong government support, the dedication of our talented industry professionals, and the various programs available in the industry."

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. Nova Scotia is among the largest production centres in Canada.