VANCOUVER – Telus, through its Optik Local community programming, is awarding more than $3.2 million in funding to support some 60 new local content projects in Western Canada this year.
Optik Local supports compelling, original storytelling in British Columbia and Alberta by providing funding and training to filmmakers, as well as a platform to share their content with new audiences. Content is distributed for free on Telus Optik On Demand as well as online.
"Optik Local is unique in the Canadian content funding space. It's an innovative model that enables diverse voices to be heard and local stories to be told," said Telus VP of content solutions Blair Miller, in the news release. "Since 2013, we've funded nearly 100 local projects and this year's group of established and emerging filmmakers, organizations and storytellers is particularly promising."
Pictured is Invincible: Beneath the Surface which follows quadruple amputee and internet sensation Daniel Ennett as he trains for his open water scuba certification in Edmonton, with eyes on training in Florida. (Created by Open Sky Pictures Inc., shot in Edmonton/Florida).
Returning partners include the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Whistler Blackcomb, the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre Society, Air Canada enRoute Film Festival, the Vancouver Public Library, and Crankworx Whistler. Click here for a full list of all new projects supported by Optik Local.
