P.E.I. film, TV industry get $350K boost

The province announced two newinitiatives on Thursday aimed at supporting and growing the film and television industry on P.E.I.

The programs are being funded with $350,000 from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The Film Media Fund is designed to encourage more homegrownindependent film and television with $250,000.

And $100,000 will go to anewtrainingfund called Film4Wardthatwill help four teams create proof-of-conceptshort versions of their films, in hopes of attracting evenmore funding.

Training for 'emerging talent'

Good-paying jobs and economic spinoffs are benefits of a successful film and television industry, saidFilmPEIpresident EmmaFugatein a written release Wednesday.

She hopes the Film Media Fund willtriggeroff-Island investments from broadcasters and federalfundersfor P.E.I.-produced projects, "putting us on a more equal footing with the rest of Canada."

The training fund meanwhileis designed offer workshops, job shadowing and hands-on experience.

"Film 4Ward is going to give our emerging talent the opportunity to train with experienced professionals and create short films that can be the catalyst to successful careers," said Fugate.

The film and television industry are important to P.E.I.'s economy and culture, the province noted in the release.

"Even though we are small, we surprise people with what we accomplish including the volume and quality of film and TV produced here. By providing this steady and accessible funding, we can continue to promote and grow our film industry," said Economic Development and Tourism Minister Chris Palmer.

The new programs are part of the government's Culture Action Plan.

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