Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 25, 2009NIFCO to
Expand Training and Professional Development Initiatives
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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