Report for City Council February 4, 2009 Meeting

an oversubscription to the fund Development of the bringing funding levels to $15 Film Industry million per year and a line item in the Provincial budget. Recommendation:  In 2006 the Alberta film That the January 12, 2009, Edmonton development fund transfers from Economic Development Corporation Community Development to report 2009ED001 be received for Alberta Economic Development. information.  The City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta partner on Report Summary a 2 year deal with Lionsgate. The This report provides a response to a Province invests $5.4 million and motion regarding recent provincial the City of Edmonton announcements on the development of $2.1 million. the film industry in Alberta.  A one time $14 million boost to the Alberta Film Development Previous Council/Committee Action Program (an oversubscribed At the August 25, 2008, Community fund) increased the program to Services Committee meeting, the $34 million 2008-2009 fiscal following motion was passed: (from $20 million previous year 2007-2008 fiscal). That Administration, in conjunction  Increased the program funding with EEDC and Edmonton Arts cap from $1.5 million to $3.0 council provides a report on recent million in October 2008. provincial announcements on the development of the film industry in Attachments Alberta.

Report 1. Press Release – Support for tourism  In 1998 the Alberta film fund was marketing and film production will established under the Provincial boost awareness and increase Government as a 3 year pilot employment program and was given 2. Press Release – Film Program $15 million over three years changes to support more projects  In 2001, due largely to its and grow industry success, the Alberta film fund 3. Press Release - Government takes was established as a line item at action to support Alberta film industry $10 million per fiscal year 4. E-mail Correspondence – Industry  The film fund increased on an Bulletin average of $1 million per year over the next several years

 In 2006, the Province injects $1.4 million as a one off to rectify

ROUTING – Executive Committee | DELEGATION – P Tucker WRITTEN BY – P. Tucker | January 12, 2009 – Edmonton Economic Development Corporation 2009ED001 Page 1 of 1 Development of the Film Industry Attachment 1

of 2 Development of the Film Industry Attachment 1

http://alberta.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm?ReleaseID=/acn/200603/196353D1FA51F-A569-AC32- CD6FEF59254E6AC7.html Retrieved: December 19, 2008

http://alberta.ca/acn/200604/1972394D08CA6-E9B4-1012-7C2AC7F0C3FDFCBA.html Retrieved: December 19, 2008

http://www.alberta.ca/acn/200809/24287331B27AF-B4A9-C855-6A4956FD322AC03A.html Retrieved: December 19, 2008

From: Kimberly Evans [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:33 PM To: Patti Tucker Subject: industry bulletin

Section I.1 Minister confirms AFDP changes

The following message has just arrived from the Honourable Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit.

"Dear Industry Member,

On October 2, I announced some important and exciting changes to the Film Development Program (FDP).

"The cap for the FDP has doubled from the current $1.5 million to $3 million. In addition, the following guideline changes have been made:  Air travel outside the province for Alberta crew contracted by a production company to perform a service essential to the production is an eligible cost.

 To assist producers in securing additional financing, the FDP funding may be included in the confirmed financing requirements calculation (this applies only to new applications).

"The guidelines have been modified to reflect these changes and can be accessed at http://culture.alberta.ca/filmdevelopment/. The cap increase and change in travel guidelines are retroactive to April 1, 2008. All applicants who submitted an application after this date will be contacted and provided with the opportunity to adjust their application.

"This announcement comes on the heels of the September 5 announcement of a one-time additional $14 million in funding for the 2008-09 FDP. This investment will eliminate government’s current accumulation of grant commitments for eligible film and television projects to the end of 2008-09.

"These recent announcements demonstrate the Government of Alberta’s ongoing commitment to cultural industries including film, television and digital media production. These interim measures will help ensure Alberta remains an attractive jurisdiction for production while work continues on a funding model. The funding model is being developed to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry, and to ensure Alberta will be positioned as an industry leader in both Canada and around the world." AMPIA President Joe Novak welcomed the government's action. ""We very much welcome this news from Minister Lindsay Blackett and believe his announcement today will continue to help make Alberta a production location of choice," commented Novak. "AMPIA has been working closely with the the Minister and his Department as well as with other industry stakeholders to ensure that the resources are available to keep Alberta's film and television industry vibrant and competitive with other jurisdictions and to help support Alberta-based productions so our rich and diverse, talent and stories can be shown. We very much look forward to working together."