Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #06-014
January 23, 2006
2005 Was A Banner Year For Yukon Film Production
WHITEHORSE - Last year was the Yukon's record year for film production, due to incentives from the Department of Economic Development and favourable weather.
Film production generated $4.1 million in 2005, compared with $2.5 million in 2004.
"The dollar figures have risen dramatically, demonstrating film is a viable and growing contributor to Yukon's economy," acting Economic Development Minister Dennis Fentie said. "More locals are working in film, on more and new productions."
Some 2005 highlights include:
• Quixote Films Inc spent a total of $262,000 while in the Yukon, and employed 21 Yukon residents while shooting a commercial for "Land Rover".
• Whisper Productions Inc. spent a total of $265,000 while in the Yukon, and employed 42 Yukon residents on a feature film production, now titled "Hellion"
• Mad Films shot an AIM Trimark tire commercial with a projected total spending of $120,000 and employment of 21 Yukoners.
• Northern Town, a CBC Series written and produced by Yukoner Daniel Janke, was filmed in the Yukon for five weeks in the spring, giving over 250 Yukoners employment, experience and training.
• Five productions from England were shot in the Yukon, spring 2005, putting 56 Yukoners to work.
• Yukoner Andrew Connors shot "Artifacts", hiring 15 Yukon residents on this production.
• Ten Yukon filmmakers had also received funding from the Yukon Filmmakers Fund for their projects.
Part of last year's success can be attributed to good winter shooting conditions created by record snowfalls, and the $715,000 from the film incentive funds, which was fully subscribed.
"We are looking forward to another busy year in 2006," Fentie said.
Yukon filmmaker Carole Geddes is currently finalizing development of a six-part TV series "Anash and the Legacy of the Sun Rock." Additionally the creators of Northern Town also hope to return for another shoot in 2006.
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Contact: Peter Carr Barbara McLeod Cabinet Communications Advisor Communications, Economic Development (867) 667-8688 (867) 456-3913 peter.carr@gov.yk.ca barbara.mcleod@gov.yk.ca