Investment Worth Millions to Provincial Economy

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Investments in 15 new film projects will see work for hundreds of local producers, crews and actors, and millions of dollars pumped back into the provincial economy.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation announced today, Aug. 16, investments of just over $900,000 in new, locally produced projects including feature films, television productions, training programs and the Atlantic Film Festival.

The 15 projects have combined budgets of $12 million.

"The return on the province's investment is far-reaching," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister responsible for the film development corporation. "The resulting employment, revenue, and the growth of Nova Scotia's cultural landscape make this investment worthwhile."

"By investing in our own industry and productions, the corporation is ensuring that many of the 2,500 Nova Scotians involved are able to participate in their craft at home," said Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the corporation. "These projects continue to increase the expertise and build on our reputation as a premiere production location in North America."

The productions showcase a variety of diverse subjects -- from refugees to alien abductees. The creative abilities and interests of Nova Scotian filmmakers will result in film and television programs that will appeal to wide audiences both at home and around the world.

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. The provincial film industry is the fourth largest in Canada, regularly exceeding $100 million in economic activity annually.

For more information on the corporation and its programs and services see the website at www.film.ns.ca .

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Investments in 15 film projects will see work for hundreds

of local producers, crews and actors, and millions of dollars

pumped back into the provincial economy.

     The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation announced

900-hundred thousand dollars in funding today (August 16th) for

locally produced projects.

     The 15 projects have combined budgets of 12 million

dollars.

     Richard Hurlburt, the Minster responsible for the film

corporation says the resulting employment, revenue, and the

growth of Nova Scotia's cultural landscape make this investment

worthwhile.

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