Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 3, 2010
Co-operative Advances Economic
Potential of Film Industry
The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative
(NIFCO), with a $76,500 investment from the Provincial
Government, is upgrading its film finishing and doubling
its sound editing capacity. The upgrades are the latest
in a series of advancements that NIFCO has made to
expand its ability to secure contracts for national and
international film post-production projects.
"Film post-production holds considerable economic
potential for Newfoundland and Labrador," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development. "In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the
local film sector is valued at more than $22 million.
By continuing to identify applications to improve its
business model and secure a competitive edge, NIFCO is
taking appropriate steps to ensure long-term success and
growth of the local film sector."
With the investment, NIFCO will be modifying its
equipment to be compatible with new "RED camera"
technology – technology that records high resolution
image data directly to flash or hard disk storage. As
well, NIFCO will be adding two new audio editing
workstations for recording and mobile editing.
"With this funding, NIFCO is now on the leading edge in
Canada for film post-production," said Jean Smith,
Executive Director, NIFCO. "NIFCO now has the capacity
and capability to easily finish and deliver productions
for national and international broadcast. Additionally,
NIFCO has expanded its sound editing and mixing
capabilities to allow for future growth in its local and
national film post production services."
The current investment brings the Provincial
Government's contribution to equipment upgrades and
expansion in NIFCO to more than $500,000 since 2007.
NIFCO's continued advancements have enabled it to
service the production requirements for a variety of
national and international projects, including
Republic of Doyle – a national CBC television
series.
"The Provincial Government has been a long-standing
partner of NIFCO," said Minister Skinner. "It is a
co-operative that is an industry leader and uses a model
that demonstrates the benefits of individuals and
businesses working together on a common interest. In
fact, NIFCO represents the rising importance of the
co-operative model for industry development."
Established in 1975, NIFCO is a St. John's-based
association of independent filmmakers who are dedicated
to the development of media arts in Newfoundland and
Labrador. It is the only high-end post-production
facility in the province and membership is open to
residents of Newfoundland and Labrador by approval of
its board of directors. The organization provides
expertise, resources, equipment and space to
entry-level, emerging, and established artists and
technicians.
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009:
Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased
to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF
provides non-repayable contributions to economic
development agencies for initiatives that address
regional and sectoral development and diversification.
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