Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
March 31, 2016

Strategic Investments Strengthen Provincial Film Industry

Federal and Provincial Government Investments Support Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Television Production Industry

The Atlantic Studios Co-operative will enhance capacity to service the province’s film and production industry with new and upgraded equipment that will be purchased as a result of Federal and Provincial Government investments. Investments totalling more than $178,000 were provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program (non-repayable) and through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.

“The Government of Canada partners closely with businesses and sectors to support their efforts to increase productivity and innovation, and to help Canadian firms compete successfully both at home and abroad. This investment will enhance this knowledge-based industry and increase capacity to provide industry-standard production equipment and services.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Industry, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Atlantic Studios Co-operative (ASCO) is receiving funding to purchase new equipment and upgrade existing equipment to enhance the organization’s capacity to service the province’s film and production industry. In an industry that is very technical, highly innovative, and ever-changing, these investments will enable ASCO to modernize and improve its range of services to continue to meet local production requirements.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has seen progressive growth in its film industry in recent years. I am pleased that we are able to work closely with our federal counterparts to actively support sector growth. Atlantic Studios Co-operative’s new equipment and ability to improve its production capabilities will enable the co-operative and its partners to utilize modern technology to enhance the growing body of excellence within our film and television production industry.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The investments will also enable ASCO to provide support for multiple productions at one time, ensuring local producers have access to required film and television equipment.

“The Atlantic Studios Co-operative plays a critical role in the growth and success of the film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments like this enable the provincial film and television industry to compete in the national and international marketplace that has contributed to this sector’s success.”
- Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament, St. John’s East

ASCO owns and manages a mobile production equipment package that can be deployed throughout the province and generates revenue by providing its production equipment and technical services to local and guest producers at competitive rates. ASCO has provided services to numerous professional productions in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the highly successful national CBC television series "The Republic of Doyle" throughout its six years of production.

“Both the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development have, from the outset, understood and supported ASCO’s objectives and role in the development of this growing industry. The current investments in new equipment allows ASCO to continue to play its role well into the future and we are deeply appreciative of their continued support.”
- Nigel Markham, Vice-President, Atlantic Studios Co-operative

Funding for ASCO is being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program (non-repayable) in the amount of $93,974, and through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development in the amount of $84,099.

QUICK FACTS

• Investments totalling more than $178,000 are being provided to the Atlantic Studios Co-operative in support of enhancing capacity in the province’s film and production industry.
• Funding is being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program (non-repayable) in the amount of $93,974, and through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development in the amount of $84,099.
• ASCO owns and manages a mobile production equipment package that can be deployed throughout the province and generates revenue by providing its production equipment and technical services to local and guest producers.

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Julie Afonso Acting Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 Julie.afonso@canada.ca
Nigel Markham Vice-President The Atlantic Studios Co-operative 709-725-3039 n.markham@nf.sympatico.ca

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