Funding supports the growth and development of creative professionals
TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing one-time funding of $3 million to the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) as part of the province’s efforts to support the film, television and new media industries, as they continue to deal with the daily impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details were provided today by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
“Ontario’s screen-based industries provide thousands of jobs for digital content creators, screen actors, composers and songwriters, and many others working behind the scenes,” said Minister MacLeod. “It is critical that we continue to support our creative professionals as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. That’s why our government is investing in the Canadian Film Centre, one of Ontario and Canada’s leading cultural organizations, so they can continue to advance our world-class talent, showcasing what our province has to offer on the global stage.”
The funding will be used to support film, television and digital media training programs and COVID-19 adaptation plans, such as program innovation and the development of new initiatives, including virtual production training and accelerators for immersive media start-ups, to ensure Ontario’s screen-based industries are strong and vibrant and remain a source of pride for the province.
“Ontario is a steadfast supporter of the CFC and this contribution will have a significant impact on the next generation of creatives in our industry,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury and Chair, CFC Board of Directors. “The funds will be used to continue to innovate and build on our existing programs, as well as develop new initiatives to better equip Canadian talent for success in Canada and on the global stage.”
The CFC is a nationally recognized cultural organization for the development and advancement of Canadian creative and entrepreneurial talent in the film, television and digital media industries. CFC’s uniquely designed programs are intensive and guided by leading industry professionals, providing participants with opportunities to expand their skills, tools, portfolios, and creative and business networks in Canada and abroad.
Healthy people are essential for a healthy economy. With vaccines being distributed, hope is on the horizon. Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy provides the resources necessary to finish the battle with COVID-19, building on the government’s record investments to protect health and jobs during the global pandemic.
Quick Facts
- CFC was founded by Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison in 1988.
- The Ontario film and television industry made a strong return with a record-breaking fall, hosting over 60 productions between July 2020 and January 2021, and is following robust health and safety protocols to ensure safe sets.
- In 2019, before the pandemic, film and television production supported by the province contributed $2.16 billion to the provincial economy, creating 44,540 jobs for Ontarians.
- In April, Minister MacLeod met with Los Angeles film industry leaders to promote and champion Ontario and its creative industries. The meetings reinforced the government’s commitment to the industry and included representatives from Motion Picture Association – Canada, Disney, Warner Brothers, HBO, Paramount, Hulu, Apple+, Netflix, CBS and NBC.
- Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, brings total investments to $16.3 billion to protect people’s health and $23.3 billion to protect the economy. Ontario’s COVID-19 action plan support now totals $51 billion over four years.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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