April 20, 2006
Winnipeg, MB – The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is providing $260,000 towards a new pilot program to increase the number of skilled senior film crew members in the province through Film Training Manitoba.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Selinger Minister of Finance, and Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic Diversification.
“This program is a great opportunity to ensure Manitobans continue to benefit from locally-produced productions,” said Robinson. “We recognize the need for more senior crew members in our successful film industry, and we are pleased to be working with Film Training Manitoba to fill that gap with local people.”
“The individuals selected for this pilot project will have the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge,” said Bruinooge. “More local people employed in local productions is good news for everyone and the Government of Canada is pleased to support this initiative. Over time we will build a larger talent base in Manitoba which will attract even more productions to the province.”
The pilot project will allow existing film crew members to work at more advanced levels, acquire more skills through mentorship, receive training and obtain additional responsibilities on a variety of productions and film work sites in Manitoba. Funding assistance will be provided to the employing film production company for 33% of the worker’s salary up to a maximum of $3,000 per placement.
“The rising demand for skilled senior crew members is a result of the dramatic growth in Manitoba’s film industry over the last few years,” said Hersh Binder, Executive Director, Film Training Manitoba. “This training program will help us keep up with the demand and help Manitoba remain an attractive film location.” Film Training Manitoba was incorporated in 1999 as an independent non-profit organization following several years of operation as a program of the Manitoba Motion Picture Industry Association. Film Training Manitoba offers workshops and on-the-job training for producers, writers, directors and film crew.
Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders on two strategic priorities – Building our Economy and Sustainable Communities. These priorities strengthen the skills of Manitoba workers and promote economic growth and diversification in Manitoba. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
– 30 –
RETURN