Local Film and Television Industry Enhances Export-Readiness

To further develop and strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry, the Provincial Government is contributing $28,750 towards an event to provide producers with first-hand knowledge from industry experts about what the lucrative film and television market requires.

“The Provincial Government is committed to helping diversify the economy, and to promote and encourage increased export of goods and services by local businesses,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “This investment will assist our local film professionals in obtaining the skills they need to pursue export opportunities which will grow our local industry and increase employment in this sector. It is crucial for us to invest in our local people and their skills.”

Scene and Heard, an initiative of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, will take place March 1 to 3, 2013 and includes programming on financing, casting, script writing, sound and technical areas. About 25 independent film producers and production companies will participate.

In addition to offering training to industry throughout the year, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival attracts over 4,000 participants each October and presents close to 100 local, national, and international feature films, short films and documentaries, as featured at www.womensfilmfestival.com.

“Our organization provides much more than the film festival, despite our name,” said Noreen Golfman, Chair, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. “We are home to a five-day industry film forum, the province’s flagship industry event, and regularly host valuable opportunities for networking and training that assist in developing the capacity of our local industry. We are delighted to work with the Provincial Government to offer this valuable event.”

The Scene and Heard initiative has been funded through the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s Workplace Skills Enhancement Program. These activities build on other investments made by the Provincial Government in the provincial film and TV production industry.

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2013 03 01                          4:20 p.m.