Announcements / General updates and news announcements about programs, funding decisions, and initiatives

After receiving an unprecedented 89 scripts for consideration, BC Film + Media is pleased to announce that 15 screenplays have been selected to receive development funding through the Features in Focus program. In this program, BC Film + Media provides recoupable advances to British Columbia writers of dramatic feature film projects destined for theatrical release.

"Again this year we were encouraged by the quality of the scripts submitted," reported Rob Egan, President and CEO of BC Film + Media. "We believe that the continued support of the writing talent in the province is the key to continued success of this industry."

The development funding provides support for the services of the writer and their story editor. In addition, BC Film + Media organizes One-on-One Story Editing Consultation Sessions for all finalists with an experienced writer or story editor. This allows the screenwriters to focus on their scripts in a highly concentrated time period with immediate feedback.

"We believe that this interaction between the writers and these experienced professionals is a great enhancement to Features in Focus," reports Lodi Butler, Manager - Television and Film Financing Program. "The consultations were introduced last year, and have proven highly successful for the participants."

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.