Today Rob Egan, President and CEO, BC Film + Media, announced that the Society has engaged in a comprehensive review of programs and services it offers to the film and television industry in British Columbia.

For the first time since its inception in 1987, BC Film + Media is faced with unprecedented budget constraints. Direct provincial funding to the Society has decreased from $4.5 million in 1995/96 to its current level of $2.28 million for fiscal 2004/05. In addition, a one time provincial investment of $4 million towards a 3 year feature film program will end on March 31, 2004.

"In light of successive budget reductions, BC Film + Media must review its core purpose and activities in support of the province's film and television industry," said Egan. "This review will ultimately determine BC Film + Media's role in sustaining the industry in years to come."

The recent decline in domestic film and television production activity in the province will be at the centre of the Society's review. Domestic production has dropped 60% - from a high of $419.4 million in 2000 to $163.6 million in 2002.

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 acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development.

For additional information, please contact:
Rob Egan
President and CEO
BC Film + Media
(604) 736-7997