The development of Newfoundland and Labrador cultural industries continues with an investment of $40,000 under the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) to the Film Producers Association of Newfoundland (PAN).

"This funding demonstrates the Provincial Government�s firm commitment to develop cultural industries in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and to keep our creative talent in the province," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This is a key direction contained in year two of our cultural plan Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, a $17.6 million three-year strategy to promote and preserve the province�s culture and heritage."

The funding is directed to PAN�s ongoing export market development strategy, the International Market Access Program (IMAP), which provides Newfoundland and Labrador film producers with increased marketing experience and access to international markets for their products.

"The Provincial Government is a crucial partner in PAN�s international marketing endeavours," said PAN President Lynne Wilson. "Its ongoing commitment to our sector has allowed our province�s film and television producers to undertake a series of incredibly successful international marketing and export missions over the past two years � activity that is critical to stabilizing and growing production activity necessary to produce and globally transmit our films, television programs and documentaries. In the midst of a very busy production year, PAN looks forward to continuing and evolving this partnership with government so that we can be assured of seeing the many fine projects currently in development make it far and wide onto the world�s screens � big and small."

Under the CEDP program, the Provincial Government will invest a total of $2.15 million this year to assist with the development of arts and heritage initiatives across the province. The arts sector will receive support for operations, marketing, professional development and export for cultural products. The heritage sector will receive support to assist with conservation, presentation and interpretation of heritage resources, as well as professional development for heritage professionals.

CEDP projects are selected on the strength of business plans, artistic vision and potential for development within a specific sector. For more information on guidelines, please check out //www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_and_programs.html.

Photo #1:  The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, presents a cheque for $40,000 to Film Producers Association of Newfoundland President Lynne Wilson and International Marketing Director Frank Fagan.