The federal and provincial governments are providing $350,000 in funding to help Saskatchewan's growing film and video industry develop a highly skilled workforce and more than triple the number of film crews in the province.

Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale and Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon today announced support from the Canada/Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) to the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association (SMPIA).

The WEPA funding helps SMPIA with the motion picture industry's Crew Call, careers in film & television initiative. This innovative, $580,000 workforce development program brings together production companies, training institutes, training and investment funding and labour organizations.

Crew Call provides developmental training to film crews, workshops and training strategies for specific film projects, mentoring and career path guidance, and a central database of the skills, interests and abilities of current production personnel and those seeking entry into the field.

Crew Call's goals are to increase both the number of people working in the industry from 700 to 2,000 over the next four years and the number of Saskatchewan film crews to 5 at the end of that same period. A core film crew can range from 75 to 150 crew members based on the complexity of the project.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be partnering in a project to help build and strengthen a skilled labour force for the Saskatchewan film industry," said Minister Goodale on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification. "There is much potential for growth in this sector, with a significant impact for both rural and urban areas which can open up many employment opportunities and career options."

"Saskatchewan's film and video industry reflects the dreams and talents of many of our most creative people," Minister MacKinnon said. "This project helps train and build the careers of our filmmakers, allowing them to create jobs and shape their futures here in our province, while telling our stories to the world."

"The future for our industry's growth will rely on training and mentorship," said Kevin DeWalt, Chair of the Crew Call Advisory Committee. "I am very excited about Crew Call and its partnership between the federal government, provincial government and private sector. We can look forward to a bright future as our industry continues to develop and grow."

Between 1992 and 1998, the film industry in Saskatchewan grew in value from $5 million in productions to $54 million. This figure is expected to increase to about $90 million by 2001. There are 40 production companies active in the province.

From 1998 to 2002, the Canada/Saskatchewan WEPA, administered and cost-shared by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Economic and Co operative Development, will direct $40 million toward initiatives that support new economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing initiatives, and new economic opportunities, including rural and northern economic development.

For additional information, contact:
 
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

Bob Ellis
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-1691
 
Lisa King
Director
Crew Call: Careers in Film and Television
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 565-2002