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Reel Focus BC supports domestic motion picture industry

Fund boosts BC filmmakers

B.C.'s motion picture industry got a shot in the arm this week.

The provincial government has unveiled a $200,000 domestic motion picture fund, "Reel Focus BC," targeted at emerging and equity-seeking B.C. filmmakers.

"The creative sector has helped to ease the pain for so many throughout the pandemic," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "We all owe a great deal of thanks to the filmmakers and storytellers that help define our identity, capture our imagination and create change. Our government is proud to be providing funding to support the creative sector in producing local content and jobs right here in B.C."

Creators can get a grant of up to $10,000 to cover the cost of bringing together a development team to do research, develop a concept or write a script. The grants are available for a wide range of content including feature films, television shows, series, documentaries and animated content.

"I think it's fantastic. It will definitely impact the industry here (the Okanagan) and throughout the entire province. I know productions that will apply for this as soon as I send it to them," Okanagan Film Commissioner, Jon Summerland tells Castanet.

The program's goal is to support equity and diversity in B.C.'s domestic motion picture sector by increasing access to funding for under-represented filmmakers. The fund will also help foster new talent and growth in the domestic motion picture industry by helping new filmmakers get their projects off the ground.

More than 70,000 people work in B.C.'s domestic motion picture industry.



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