News Release

For immediate release August 16, 2002

ECBC SEEKS TO MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL OF FORMER SOUND STAGE FACILITY


Sydney, N.S. B Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) has publicly called for expressions of interest for the development of the former Filmscape Studio, located in the Sydport Marine Industrial Park.

Filmscape was established in 1998 and was recently used to produce the Pit Pony Television series. Operated by the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority (CBCEDA), Filmscape was developed as a pilot project to capitalize on the growing film and video production industry, by offering potential moviemakers a state-of-the-art sound stage. During the two-year production of Pit Pony, numerous local residents were employed to perform a variety of tasks from stagehands to hairdressers. CBCEDA has estimated that the Pit Pony production resulted in approximately $6 million in economic benefit to the local economy.

With the cancellation of the series, efforts have been underway for the past two years to find a private sector operator for the sound stage, who would be in a position to attract additional productions. None has been found. 

"The film production industry is cyclical. To maintain a sound stage the size of Filmscape requires a full-time production or a regular stream of feature films. Otherwise, a valuable resource remains idle and unproductive for long periods of time," said Rick Beaton, Vice-President of ECBC. "Filmscape was a pilot project that had a significant impact on the Island's economy; however, the time has come to determine whether a more economically beneficial use for the facility can be found."

Filmscape is a 33,000 sq. ft. facility containing three studios and production service space. ECBC is inviting proposals to purchase or lease all or a portion of the facility. Cooperative ventures between two or more entities, wishing to make use of the facility, will also be considered.

All proposals are subject to ECBC's due diligence evaluation process. The acceptance of a proposal does not constitute a legally binding contract but reflects ECBC=s intention to enter into negotiations. The closing date for submissions is Friday, September 6, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:


D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-3617