Film Industry Rebounds in 2005

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Film and television production jumped 16 per cent in Nova Scotia last year, generating nearly $121 million for the province -- the largest increase in two years.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation said today, July 4, that Nova Scotia companies accounted for half the productions, including four feature films, 12 television series and 22 television specials.

One of the productions, a big screen adaptation of the ever-popular Trailer Park Boys television series, is scheduled to hit theatres this fall.

"Nova Scotia's film and television industry is showing a vitality that will ensure a continuing contribution to our provincial economy," said Economic Development Minister Richard Hurlburt. "The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation works hard to promote the province's reputation as an exceptional film location and it's paying off with more productions and more jobs for Nova Scotians."

Visiting productions returned to Nova Scotia in force with many projects filming in the province. Eight movies for television and three series brought film stars Kathy Bates, Rob Lowe, Tom Selleck, and Jessica Lange to the province. The feature film Snow Angels starring Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell also filmed in early 2006.

"The film industry continues to thrive in Nova Scotia and contribute to the economy of this province," said Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the corporation. "With the strong talent and crew base, supporting infrastructure and appealing locations, the province remains an attractive business environment for companies here as well as those that visit the province to film on a regular basis."

Nova Scotia's film industry is the fourth largest in Canada, regularly exceeding $100 million in economic activity annually and employing close to 2,500 Nova Scotians in many occupations. Industry spending in the province has an immediate effect on numerous small- to medium-sized businesses that provide goods and services.

"The provincial government's continued commitment to the film and television industry, as evidenced by increases to the film industry tax credit and the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation's equity funds in January 2005, undoubtedly contributed to this banner film year," said Bonnie Kirby, chair of the corporation board. "The province's support ensured that the industry maintained its competitive position and the board commends the government's vision in this regard."

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation reporting to the minister of Economic Development. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to build the capacity and competitiveness of the province's film, television and new media industries.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Film and television production jumped 16 per cent in Nova

Scotia last year, generating nearly one hundred and 21-million

dollars for the province.

     Economic Development Minister Richard Hurlburt says the film

corporation has worked hard to enhance the province's reputation

and it is paying off with more productions and more jobs for Nova

Scotians.

     Nova Scotia companies accounted for half the productions

with a big screen adaptation of the ever-popular Trailer Park

Boys scheduled to hit theatres this fall.

     Some productions featured popular Hollywood stars such as

Kate Beckinsale, Kathy Bates, Rob Lowe and Jessica Lange.

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Media Contact: Ann MacKenzie
              Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation
              902-424-7177
              E-mail: mackenam@gov.ns.ca