OMDC Helps Boost Domestic Film Industry

Film Fund Invests $1.67 Million in 12 Projects

TORONTO, March 4 /CNW/ -

NEWS

Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) today announced an investment of $1.67 million to assist in the production and development financing of 12 domestic feature films (http://www.omdc.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=6789) through support from the OMDC Film Fund (http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3209.aspx).

Production financing was awarded to six dramatic Ontario feature films, and development financing was awarded to six projects, including one documentary in the late development stage. The process is highly-competitive: 36 applications were received for the Fund which is adjudicated by an industry jury.

Ontario's strong domestic film industry has shown steady growth over the past several years. Some of Ontario's leading and up-and-coming directors who have features in the works for this round are: David Cronenberg, Norman Jewison, Vincenzo Natali, Leonard Farlinger, Sarah Polley, Velcrow Ripper and Aaron Woodley.

QUOTES

"The film and television industry is vital both to the economic and cultural well-being of Ontario - contributing almost $10 billion to the economy over the past 10 years, employing thousands of highly-skilled Ontarians and helping to tell our stories to the world. Many of OMDC's Film Fund-supported films have gained critical acclaim at home and abroad on the festival circuit and have gone on to commercial success."

- Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture

"OMDC's Film Fund has invested more than $15 million -- including both production and development -- in 113 features since its inception in 2005. These films have provided more than 22,259 weeks of work for Ontario's talented film community, making the domestic film industry a key player in Ontario's burgeoning knowledge economy."

- Kevin Shea, OMDC Chair

"Financing feature films has never been more difficult. The ongoing support of the OMDC through their innovative Film Fund provides an invaluable competitive advantage to Ontario filmmakers."

- Martin F. Katz, President of Prospero Pictures

"Norman Jewison has never been shy of his Ontario roots. We are thrilled to have the support of the OMDC for High Alert which will see a strong cast of Canadians both in front of and behind the camera."

- Sandra Cunningham, Producer of High Alert

QUICK FACTS

    
    -  The OMDC Film Fund (http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3209.aspx) enables
       Ontario-based producers to complete their financing with contributions
       of up to $25,000 for development projects and up to $400,000 for
       production funding, on a last-in basis.

    -  In 2009, 28 domestic features (seven of which were supported by OMDC
       Film Fund) filmed in Ontario contributing $99.2 million to Ontario's
       economy according to OMDC statistics
       (http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3241.aspx).

    -  Ontario's strong domestic film and television sector continued to
       experience growth in 2009. Total domestic production spending
       increased by $129.8 million over the previous year, or 23.8%,
       contributing $674.4 million to Ontario's economy. The number of
       domestic productions was similar to last year, but budgets increased
       by 99.8 per cent.

    -  Since 2005, more than $15 million has been invested to support 113
       domestic feature films.

    -  OMDC-funded film Cairo Time took home top honours at TIFF winning Best
       Canadian Feature Film and recently it was awarded 2009 Film Circuit
       People's Choice Awards. Both Cairo Time and OMDC-funded film Defendor
       were also chosen for TIFF's 2009 Canada's Top Ten Films.

    -  Eight features previously supported by OMDC's Film Fund screened at
       last year's Toronto International Film Festival(R) including: Cairo
       Time; Cooking With Stella; Defendor; High Life; Hugh Hefner: Playboy,
       Activist and Rebel; Leslie, My Name is Evil and Year of the Carnivore.
       Splice was an official selection at this year's Sundance Film
       Festival.

    -  Past Film Fund recipients have included such award-winning films and
       box office successes as: Adoration; Away From Her; Blindness; Fugitive
       Pieces; and One Week. Adoration, Cairo Time, Inside Hana's Suitcase,
       One Week, Victoria Day and You Might As Well Live were also nominated
       for this year's Genie Awards.
    

LEARN MORE

OMDC established the OMDC Film Fund (http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3209.aspx) in 2005 to stimulate both the production and development of indigenous filmmaking in the province of Ontario.

Ontario Media Development Corporation (http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3283.aspx) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/english/index.html).

    
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For further information: Contact for OMDC: Sharon Wilson, OMDC Communications, T. [phone], E-mail: [email protected]