TORONTO – The Ontario government today announced a $10 million grant to the Canadian Film Centre, which will be directed towards the centre’s training programs.
Minister of Culture Madeleine Meilleur made the announcement today (Sunday) at the Film Centre’s annual barbecue held during the Toronto International Film Festival.
"The Ontario government is proud to support the Film Centre with the expansion of its training programs for professionals working in film, television and new media," said Meilleur, in the press release. "The Film Centre is a world leader in developing emerging talent for screen-based entertainment. Its graduates have put Ontario on the map in the television, film and new media industries."
The government’s support, over five years, will help the Film Centre further extend its training activities in the film, television and new media disciplines.
The Film Centre aims to develop the artistic, technical and business skills of Canada’s film, television and new media production community, said the release.
Graduates of the Film Centre include filmmaker Clement Virgo, novelist Michael Ondaatje and actor/filmmaker Sarah Polley. Guest lecturers have included acclaimed Canadian directors Atom Egoyan, Deepa Mehta and Sturla Gunnarson, all of whom are presenting movies at this year’s film festival.
"We are very excited about what the future holds for professionals in the Canadian entertainment industry," said director Norman Jewison, founder and chair emeritus of the Canadian Film Centre. "Many of our graduates have gained national and international recognition for their creative excellence. We welcome the support of the Ontario government in giving our local artists a chance to make a huge difference both here and abroad."
In addition to the funding for the Film Centre, the Ontario government is supporting the film industry through a $1.5 million Ontario Media Development Corporation Film Initiative pilot fund to provide seed money for feature film productions and a $48 million enhancement to tax credits to reinforce Ontario’s film and television production industry.
"The film, television and new media industry makes a significant contribution to Ontario’s prosperity and quality of life," added Meilleur. "Our support of the Canadian Film Centre will help position our province as a top competitor in the high-growth global entertainment marketplace."
