Innovation, Business and Rural Development
June 25, 2014
Investing in International Market Advancement
Global Trade and Export Initiatives Supported with $19,000 in Funding
Nine Newfoundland and Labrador emerging film/television producers are pursuing international market opportunities as a result of Provincial Government funding totalling $19,000. A recent mission to Los Angeles explored opportunities in television and film production through participation in the Producer’s Guild of America’s industry conference and E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
“For emerging producers and writers, participation in specialized conferences provides tremendous opportunities to make valuable industry connections. With this investment of $19,000, I am pleased that the efforts of the Provincial Government supported our local film and television professionals in strengthening their business operations and I am confident they will see the benefits of these meetings in the future.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
The trade mission, held by the Producer’s Guild of America from June 6 to 8, provided participants with the opportunity to attend Produced By 2013, a high profile industry conference. The Producer’s Guild of America and host Warner Brothers Studio, joined together to showcase a variety of top speakers in film, television and digital media at the largest conference offered by producers. In addition, the conference is the only event of its kind where the most influential entertainment industry professionals and producers, gather in one place.
“The LA Mission was an incredible experience for me. Myself and my writing partner were given the rare opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with executives from a major studio and cable network where we pitched our feature idea. Even though we have two feature films under our belts, it's next to impossible to get those meetings without having LA agents or management. There was interest in our feature idea but, more importantly, we have made an important contact and can continue to foster that relationship. It's humbling, inspiring and exciting all at the same time.”
- Deanne Foley, Director/ Writer/Producer
The Producer’s Guild of America educational forum attracts over a thousand participants every year. It allows veteran professionals and emerging talent to come together, network and hear from numerous Academy and Emmy award-winning filmmakers.
“Newfoundland and Labrador has deep rooted talent technically and creatively; however, we are removed from major markets and influences. Exposure at events like E3 is essential to keep our companies competitive and moving forward.”
- Deirdre Ayre, Head of Canadian Operations, Other Ocean Group Canada
The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development assists companies in overcoming trade barriers in other jurisdictions and supports local businesses in their ability to explore emerging market opportunities through business to business trade shows and industry conferences. A full list of organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder below.
QUICK FACTS
- $19,000 in funding supported nine Newfoundland and Labrador businesses to explore market opportunities through trade shows and marketing initiatives.
- Since April 2013, the Trade and Investment Branch has organized and delivered 20 missions with 96 participants to key geographic markets in the United States, European Union, South America and China.
- Funding was made available through the Business Development Fund which provides assistance to help businesses grow and compete in their markets.
- The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development offers a wide range of services to business seeking support in international trade. Additional information on programs can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/inttrade/index.html.
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Media contacts:
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Deanne Foley Independent Writer/Producer 709-763-4044 deannefoley@hotmail.com |
| Deirdre Ayre Head of Canadian Operations, Other Ocean Group Canada 709-738-3556 beep@otherocean.com |
BACKGROUNDER
Companies and Individuals Supported Through the Business Development Fund
Allison White - Crawlspace
Crawlspace Films, Inc. is a film production company based in St. John’s. Established in 2013 by filmmakers Christian Sparkes, Allison White, and Chris Agoston, Crawlspace Films recently produced a feature film of the same name, Crawlspace.
Brad Gover
Brad Gover produces dramatic films and documentaries for festivals and television. As a producer with Mad Mummer Media, Brad Gover first produced Snarbuckled (2010), a short film that premiered at the 30th Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, and The Needle and the Damage Undone (2012), a television documentary produced in association with CBC NL.
Christina Steele-Nash - Skeet Shoot Films
Christina Steele-Nash is a producer with over 10 years experience in Newfoundland and Labrador’s film industry. Having served in various capacities, including production, direction, planning and management, Christina Steele-Nash most recently co-produced the short, Bait, as well as co-produced the short film Five. Since 2012, she has also filled numerous production and direction roles on the Gemini-nominated series, Republic of Doyle.
Deanne Foley
Deanne Foley is an award-winning film and television director/writer and producer who has written and directed two feature films, and directed and produced numerous documentary projects for CTV, CBC, IFC Canada, SHAW/Showcase, and Global. Currently, she has three feature films and a comedy television series in development.
Deidre Ayre and Andrew Ayre - Other Ocean
Other Ocean Interactive NL has developed games and conducted quality assurance for established publishers, Konami, Sega, Ubisoft, Capcom, and Disney Interactive. Founded in 2008 by video game veteran Andrew Ayre, Other Ocean was named one of the top 100 game companies in the world for 2011 by Develop Magazine in a ranking of the world's best development studios based on accumulated games review scores.
Mark Hoffe - Mad Mummer Media
Mad Mummer Media was incorporated in 2009 by founders Mark Hoffe and Brad Gover with the mandate to develop and produce independent films and other forms of media in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their mission is to foster the provincial film and visual media industry through the production and distribution of high-quality, engaging projects with national and international appeal.
Mark O’Neill - MO Entertainment
MO Entertainment offers customized services in transport vehicles and trailers that accommodate actors, as well as house equipment and provide mobile places to allow crew to operate more efficiently when filming on location. Incorporated in 2009 by Mark O’Neill and Frank O’Neill, MO Entertainment was founded as a direct response to the increase in film production activity in Newfoundland and Labrador and to serve the unique demands of film productions.
Melanie Oates and Adam Penney - Instigate Films
Instigate Films is a film production company based in St. John’s. Founded in 2013 by Melanie Oates and Adam Penney, Instigate Films has made two short films, Distance and Bait, with several other productions currently in preproduction.
Michael Ciuffini - Split End Media
Michael Ciuffini is an independent producer based in St. John’s. He is in development on a number of television, film and digital media projects under Split End Media. He is currently in the development stage of engaging content for various digital media platforms, including a web comedy series, a preschool live-action and animated short form web series.
2014 06 25 1:15 p.m.