Province Partners on Shorts-to-Features Program
Local filmmakers are getting a chance to secure funding to produce their short film through a partnership between Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia and Astral's Harold Greenberg Fund.
The Shorts-to-Features Program, in association with Movie Central and The Movie Network, will finance short films from emerging Canadian filmmakers. Up to three writer/director/producer teams will be selected nationally, based on their application and explanation of how the short relates to their planned first feature film.
"Local filmmakers continue to showcase Nova Scotia through their accomplishments," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Leonard Preyra. "Partnering in initiatives like the Shorts-to-Features Program allows the province to provide emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to compete nationally for a chance to tell their stories. Our vibrant arts and culture sector continues to strengthen communities by creating jobs and fostering innovation and opportunities for economic growth that helps make life better for families."
"Partnering with the Harold Greenberg Fund has allowed us to participate in a national program aimed at supporting emerging writers, directors and producers," said Carolyn Horton, acting president and CEO, Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia. "By providing additional resources to the next generation of local talent, we are supporting the local industry and ensuring that Nova Scotian producers continue to remain competitive, both nationally and internationally."
Each project will receive a $10,000 loan from Astral's Harold Greenberg Fund, a $10,000 pay-tv broadcast licence fee from The Movie Network, and a $10,000 pay-tv broadcast licence fee from Movie Central.
As a partner, Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia will also provide a $10,000 development loan to successful Nova Scotia-based productions.
Successful teams will also receive $10,000 to develop a first draft of the feature script, and in-kind production support from many service companies around the country, including The PostMan Production Studio in Halifax.
"We've worked with a number of emerging filmmakers since setting up our Halifax office," said Marc Savoie, owner of The PostMan Post-Production Studios. "We understand the challenges that can arise when you're new in an industry, and we want to support those filmmakers that are trying to get their work out there.
"Participating in the Shorts-to-Features program is just one way we're showing our support to the industry."
For more information on eligibility and applications, visit www.filmnovascotia.com. The deadline is June 5.
Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia is the lead development agency for creative industries in the province. The agency works to support the growth and development of Nova Scotia's creative enterprises by providing a variety of loan and investment programs and services.