Republic of Doyle TV Series to Showcase the Province

Republic of Doyle, a new television series about a father-son team of Private Investigators (PI), filmed exclusively in Newfoundland and Labrador, debuts tonight (Wednesday, January 6) at 9:30 p.m. on CBC (9:00 p.m. in Labrador). The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the official premiere this evening along with the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

"Our province has always been blessed with a wealth of incredible talent and it is extremely exciting to showcase some of our finest actors, producers and industry people through the Republic of Doyle," said Premier Williams. "I am so deeply proud of the young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have poured their hearts and souls into this unique and modern new series. Along with internationally acclaimed actors and crew, this series will offer audiences a first-class entertainment experience. I never cease to be amazed by the creativity and raw ambition of our people. I had the opportunity to see a preview of the series, and I can promise viewers they will not be disappointed. The manner in which this series showcases the sights, sounds and culture of the province is nothing short of spectacular. As a government, we are proud to support this project and the professional individuals, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, who are involved in its production."

The Premier noted that the filming of this series exclusively in Newfoundland and Labrador has provided unprecedented opportunities for people from the province to develop and further hone their skills in the film and industry television. Republic of Doyle stars native Newfoundlander Allan Hawco and Sean McGinley as son and father PI team, Jake and Malachy Doyle. It is locally produced by Allan Hawco, John Vatcher and Rob Blackie of Take the Shot Productions Inc. At peak production there were more than 300 people on the set, including 120 actors and crew members and 180 extras.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is ready and waiting for the launch of this exciting new television show," said Minister French. "This project has been of great benefit to the local arts community, and to the economy as a whole. With more than $11 million projected in economic spin-off activity, Republic of Doyle will no doubt raise the bar in the province's film industry for many years to come."

Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation committed $1.5 million in film equity funding to Republic of Doyle. The size of the production will also enable producers to avail of up to $3 million through the Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Video Tax Credit.
This has been a banner year for the province's film industry. The film Crackie, written and directed by Sherry White, was screened at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and Grown Up Movie Star, directed by Adrianna Maggs, will be screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, taking place in Park City, Utah, from January 21-31.

In the past six years, from 2004 to 2009, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed over $24 million to film production activity which, in turn, has enabled approximately $67 million to be leveraged from other public and private sources.

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