BC Film + Media is pleased to announce its program menu for 2004/05. Following an extensive review and industry consultation process, the Society will focus resources on the critical areas of development financing, the expansion of markets and co-production opportunities and professional skills initiatives.

BC Film + Media will introduce an innovative new program, the Slate Development Fund. This Fund, the first of its kind in Canada, will provide support for the development and marketing of a diversified portfolio of film and television projects. For production companies with multiple projects in development, the Slate Development Fund will be an attractive option, providing greater flexibility than conventional project funding. In addition the Society will renew the Project Development Fund and Passport to Markets Program.

"Industry leaders expressed their needs and priorities and we have responded," said Rob Egan, President and CEO of BC Film + Media. "Our goal is to sustain BC-owned film and television production in this province and to ensure that our filmmakers are equipped to succeed in the increasingly competitive national and global marketplace."

BC Film + Media will also highlight several successful industry partnerships; "Kick Start", a short film program for British Columbia directors, is a partnership with the Director's Guild of Canada British Columbia. In addition the Society will continue its relationship with Norman Jewison's Canadian Film Centre in Toronto, to support professional development opportunities for emerging British Columbia writers, directors and producers.

British Columbia's film and television industry has enjoyed much recent success. Films such as The Corporation, The Delicate Art Of Parking and The Snow Walker have garnered critical acclaim and unprecedented box office. In television, the hit series Da Vinci's Inquest and Human Cargo continue to showcase British Columbia talent.

"We are confident that these programs will help meet the challenges our indigenous film and television industry currently face, will assist getting projects into production and will keep British Columbia ahead of the curve," said Egan.

For further program information, including guidelines and applications forms, visit www.bcfilm.bc.ca.

BC Film + Media is a 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.

Media Contact: Kate Perkins
(604) 808-6283 or kathrynperkins@shaw.ca