BC Film + Media today announced its feature film and television production commitments for 2001/2002. After receiving 83 applications requesting $10.3 million, the Society will provide $4.1 million in production financing to 49 British Columbia feature film and television projects through the Television and Film Financing Program (TFFP).

In this third year of the program, the number of production commitments has increased by 48% over previous years. In 2000/2001, $2.4 million was available for production financing. Today's announcement represents a 71% increase in production commitments over last year.

"We are pleased to be able to support a larger number of projects this year," stated Rob Egan, President and CEO of BC Film + Media. "In light of the ever increasing demand for production financing, this represents good news for the independent film and television industry in the province."

In 2001/2002, twelve feature films destined for theatrical release are to receive support. Represented in this group are six international or inter-provincial co-productions and five first-time British Columbia directors.

BC Film + Media has been able to continue its strong support of television programming this year by committing financing to 37 television productions. These include 23 documentary/ broadcast singles, 11 dramatic, animated and documentary series, two TV movies, and one TV special.

BC Film + Media is a privately-administered, non-profit society established in 1987 by the provincial government with a mandate to expand and diversify the cultural industries of film and video in British Columbia. The Society gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise.