TORONTO – The Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund invested over $12 million in 127 new media and related television productions last year, according to its annual report released Thursday.
The Fund’s 2010 annual report, available here, detailed that $11.13 million went towards the production of 83 cross-platform television and interactive digital projects, $860,575 was invested in the development of 22 projects, and $122,000 was put towards sponsoring 22 professional development activities across the country.
Chris Frank, former VP of programming at Bell TV, is retiring as vice chair and treasurer of the Fund, a role that he has held for the past decade.
“Thanks to Bell TV’s contributions to the Bell Fund and (Frank’s) dedicated participation in Bell Fund activities, the Fund has invested $93M in 938 cross-platform television and interactive digital media projects, since 1997”, reads the announcement.
Administered by the Independent Production Fund, the Bell Fund is a not-for-profit organization which receives financial contributions from Bell TV as part of its contribution to the industry. It’s mandate is to encourage and fund the creation of Canadian digital media, promote partnerships and sustainable businesses in the broadcast and new media sectors, and engage in research and knowledge sharing to enhance the national and international profile of industry stakeholders.
