Film Industry Continues to be Economic Driver in Province

A Number of Productions Highlight Local Film Industry in 2013

The film and television production community in Newfoundland and Labrador continued its momentum in 2013, with established filmmakers partnering with producers, actors and crew to create a number of productions which garnered national and international attention. By the end of 2013, $260 million in total production activity leveraged more than $200 million into the province’s film and television sector since 1997.

“The film and television production community is getting ever stronger in this province, with established filmmakers combining with an energetic new generation of producers, talent, and crew to create films we can all be proud of. The film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing exciting growth and making a valuable contribution to the provincial economy and, as a government, we remain committed to supporting this dynamic industry. With both continued support and the phenomenal talent we have in our province, there is no limit to what filmmakers can and will achieve.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Some of the most notable projects shot in Newfoundland and Labrador in the last year include two continuing series by Best Boy Entertainment – Pet E.R. and Mickey’s Farm; Rock Island Production’s feature film adaptation of the Governor-General’s Award winning local novel Hold Fast; the fifth year of the NLFDC/NIFCO/Telefilm Canada short film production program Picture Start, as well as a number of local documentaries.

In addition, Morag Loves Company’s The Grand Seduction starring Brendan Gleason, Taylor Kitsch, Gordon Pinsent and Mark Critch was shot almost exclusively on the Trinity-Bonavista peninsula and screened at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. It is the first feature film shot in this province to be entered in the international competition at the festival. The film was also screened on the opening night of this year’s 2013 International Women’s Film Festival. The $13 million production was the highest budget all-Canadian feature shot in the country last year. Furthermore, season four of the CBC series Republic of Doyle accounted for just over half of the total production activity in the province last year. Budget 2013 invested $3.8 million over three years to support the production of this series.

Budget 2013 also allocated $2 million in film equity funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, as well as an annual operating grant of $700,000. Additionally, through the Cultural Economic Development Program, the Provincial Government continued its support of the vision and leadership of the Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative in 2013 with $65,000 in funding. The Producers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador received $30,000 from the program, while the Nickel Independent Film Festival received $14,000 in operational support. An investment of $60,000 was also made in the International Women’s Film Festival for operational support for the 2013 festival which screened more than 70 films.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• By the end of 2013, $260 million in total production activity has leveraged more than $200 million into the province’s film and television sector since 1997.
• Through the Cultural Economic Development Program, the Provincial Government provided the following to the film industry in Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative - $65,000; Producers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - $30, 000; International Women’s Film Festival - $60,000; Nickel Independent Film Festival received $14,000.
• Budget 2013 invested $3.8 million over three years to support the production of Republic of Doyle. For every $1 the province invests in the film industry, the total gross domestic product (GDP) return to the province is $2.86.
• Budget 2013 allocated $2 million in program funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, as well as an annual operating grant of $700,000.
• The Provincial Government has invested $87 million since the cultural blueprint was launched in 2006.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2013 12 24             10:15 a.m.