The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced the Agency's renewed support for the Atlantic Canada Film Partners in its endeavours to promote and develop the region's film industry nationally and internationally.

The partnership will embark upon a new two-year project to ensure that regional film and television producers have access to: international marketplaces to promote their work, strategic professional development, business planning services and industrial research. Created in May 2000, the Atlantic Canada Film Partners is comprised of Atlantic Canada's four film development corporations, Telefilm Canada and ACOA.

"Through the work of the Atlantic Canada Film Partners, the film industry in this region has experienced consistent growth over the last several years by gaining a reputation as an attractive film location offering many competitive advantages," said Minister Byrne. "Our cities and towns benefit from increased economic activity and exposure when our film and television community is thriving, both through small projects and blockbuster productions, such as The Shipping News, filmed in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador."

The film and television industries in Atlantic Canada supported an estimated 5,810 direct and indirect jobs in 2000/2001, with a total production value of more than $165 million - a significant increase over 1997/1998, with 4,140 direct and indirect jobs and $133 million in production value.

"It is clear that by working together, we are overcoming obstacles to continued growth for the film industry in Atlantic Canada," said Leo Furey, Chair of the Atlantic Canada Film Partners. "For example, thanks to scholarships created last year by the Atlantic Canada Film Partners - one for each Atlantic province and worth a total of $19,000 - four of our film and television professionals participated in the Alliance Atlantis Banff Television Executive Program. By investing in our industry, we are investing in its future."

The objectives of the Atlantic Canada Film Partners will remain to increase the general production of film and television in the region, thereby generating more jobs in the film industry, encouraging foreign investment, and increasing the feasibility of productions in this region.

The Atlantic Canada Film Partners is comprised of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation, New Brunswick Film, Technology PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Telefilm Canada. The partners have dedicated a total of $500,000 over the next two years to the new project, with ACOA providing a contribution of $300,000 through its Business Development Program and the other provincial partners providing a combined $200,000. Telefilm Canada is a non-funding partner.

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
(613) 957-9959

Danielle Gauthier
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 566-7569

Leo Furey
Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
(709) 738-3456