TRACADIE-SHEILA (CNB) – A new funding application process for the film industry in New Brunswick was announced today. The process is based upon months of work by a group of film industry leaders and government staff.

"The group worked co-operatively to develop a plan that outlined how the film industry should be supported now and into the future," said Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Trevor Holder. "Last week, members of this committee presented their recommendations. Today, we are pleased to announce that government will use existing programs within the Regional Development Corporation to support New Brunswick film, television and new media companies."

Some aspects of the new funding initiative include:

●    industry will be able to use a single-window point of access to apply for government funding;
●    the Regional Development Corporation will provide the funding and the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport will manage the application process and conduct sector reviews;
●    the new funding initiative will be based upon actual expenditures in the province and incentives to residents of the province;
●    the province will provide funding up to 25 to 30 per cent of eligible expenditures incurred in New Brunswick, depending upon the type of project; and
●    projects approved for funding will receive 50 per cent of the total amount immediately after being approved.

"We are confident that we are moving in the right direction and I believe we are better supporting this valuable and enthusiastic industry in a fiscally responsible way," said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. "We want to see the film, television and new media industry succeed, create jobs for New Brunswickers and continue to grow to contribute to our creative economy."


22-11-11