Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
April 13, 2007

Filmmakers� Facility To Go High Definition
Thanks To An Investment Of More Than $1.4 Million

An investment of more than $1.4 million was announced today to enable the Newfoundland Independent Filmmaker�s Cooperative (NIFCO) to upgrade its film production equipment to meet current industry broadcast standards of High Definition Surround Sound format.

The announcement was made today at an event with the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women; the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; and representatives of the local film industry.

"Canada�s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Hearn. "Our investment of nearly $1 million into NIFCO�s production facilities will ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador�s independent filmmakers are able to develop their craft using leading-edge technology, enhancing their product for destination in a global marketplace."

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $375,000 through its Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund for this project as part our cultural plan to preserve, support and develop our professional artists and cultural industries," said Minister Hedderson. "Our film industry is important to our provincial economy with its ability to create jobs, attract tourists, and generate economic spin-offs from the production of films. This project will maximize benefits to the province by allowing all aspects of filmmaking to be completed at home."

This funding from Canada�s New Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, combined with outside funding sources and NIFCO�s own contribution, will enable the equipment upgrade, and bring the project total value to $1,520,000.

"NIFCO is very proud to be leading Newfoundland and Labrador into the new reality of high-definition picture and surround sound editing," said Jennice Ripley, President of the Board of Directors of NIFCO. "This financial contribution ensures not only that our current filmmakers can compete on an equal footing nationally and internationally, but it also means that the next generation of media creators will develop here. Film productions bring large economic benefits, especially to rural areas, and NIFCO is central to the provincial industry."

NIFCO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of media arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Formed in 1975, the association supports the local film industry by providing expertise, resources, equipment and space to its members and offers beginners a chance to explore the medium of film through its First Time Film Program. NIFCO houses a complete production facility and currently maintains the only high end post-production facility in the province.

Government of Canada funding is being made available under the Department of Canadian Heritage�s Cultural Spaces Program, which aims to improve physical conditions for artistic innovation and creativity and increase access for Canadians to visual arts and heritage, and ACOA�s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is funding this project from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
lynnevanss@gov.nl.ca
Julie Afonso
A/Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2984
S. Gay Decker
Communications Advisor
Canadian Heritage
709-772-3076
Jean K. Smith
Executive Director
NIFCO
709-753-6121

2007 04 13                            11:00 a.m.
 


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