The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative (NIFCO) has received $24,500 from the Provincial Government to expand its professional development and training program. The Capacity Expansion and Training Initiative will improve sector capabilities by expanding the organization�s services and reach into all regions of the province.

"The Provincial Government is actively working with industry organizations to identify opportunities that facilitate sector growth," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "NIFCO�s professional development and training program will enable the organization and its partners to best utilize modern technologies, and ultimately increase the volume of filmmaking in the province."

NIFCO will engage a consultant to expand its advanced film training initiative and provide hands-on training in post-production picture and sound technologies. The consultant�s services will also focus on the skills enhancement and outreach to filmmakers in rural parts of the province and builds on the $375,000 investment in equipment from the Provincial Government in April 2007.

"Investment in this province�s film industry generates economic activity in both urban and rural regions," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "It also provides an opportunity for local artists and skilled professionals � actors, writers, directors, technicians, set designers, and others � to further develop their talents and, equally as important, it enables this growing core of skilled and talented people to continue working within Newfoundland and Labrador."

NIFCO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of media arts in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Formed in 1975, the association supports the local film industry by providing expertise, resources, equipment and space to its members, and also offers emerging filmmakers the opportunity to explore the medium of film through its First Time Film Program, funded through a $50,000 annual investment provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. NIFCO houses a complete production facility and currently maintains the province�s only high-end post-production facility.

"The film and television production industry in this province has seen remarkable growth the past few years, in no small part due to the support of the Provincial Government," said Jean Smith, Executive Director of NIFCO. "This project will enable NIFCO to address the needs of the industry for training on new technologies and support our outreach to Labrador, as well as educational institutions throughout the province."  

The investment is funded through the Innovation Enhancement Program (IEP). IEP is administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and provides non-repayable contributions up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $250,000 per project. The program is available to public sector institutions, not-for-profit groups, community organizations and industry associations that are involved in activities that enhance innovation in the province.

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