SPOTLIGHT
Showstopping cinema in Halifax Local film and television productions shining spotlight on Nova Scotia By Emily Bednarz
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his past March, the provincial government announced $23 million in funding to support Nova Scotia’s film and television industry, which contributed over $180 million to the local economy last year — more than double from the year prior. What has led to such rapid growth in Nova Scotia’s film and television industry, and how can we keep the momentum going? We spoke with Screen Nova Scotia, Mirror Image Media, and Popular Demand Pictures for insight.
Screen Nova Scotia screennovascotia.com Screen Nova Scotia is a not-forprofit association that promotes and advocates for our local screen industry. If you’re planning on producing a movie or tv show in the province, Screen Nova Scotia is your first point of contact, according to Tara McClair (Operations & Communications Manager) and Melanie Solomon (Industry Services & Locations Manager). “Our membership includes producers, service providers, local cast and crew, unions, and industry organizations,” says McClair. “We are dedicated to building a strong and sustainable future for the province’s production sector.” McClair and Solomon point out that as our film industry grows, so too does its impact. “A thriving film industry strengthens Nova Scotia, both economically and culturally,” says McClair. “When producers spend their production dollars here, it injects money right back into the local economy.” Beyond the economic impact, the industry works to uplift voices from all walks of life. “Culturally, the screen industry in Nova Scotia is working to tell important and diverse stories,” says McClair. “While there are many big-budget US productions that choose to film in the province, there are also local 20
ON THE SET FOR THE HEALER (2017), WHICH FILMED ON LOCATION ACROSS NOVA SCOTIA.
storytellers in our writers, directors and producers that are getting their projects made — putting our culture onto screens both nationally and internationally.” What makes Nova Scotia such an attractive place to produce? First, location is key. “Our province has been an in-demand location for regional and international filmmakers for decades,” says McClair. “Whether a production requires downtown urban sophistication, small-town ambience, or miles of unspoiled coastline, we have it all right here!” Second, local support is unparalleled. “The communities and residents of Nova Scotia are enthusiastic and excited to see production happening in the province,” says McClair. “Trust us, this is noticed and appreciated by visiting producers, directors, and cast!” Third, the financial incentives and funding opportunities are some of the most competitive in the country. Lastly, our industry professionals are exceptional. “Our world-class crew and talent love what they do, and it shows in the quality of the work on screen,” says McClair. “We've heard from several J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2
large-scale productions that our Nova Scotia crew are among the best they've ever worked with.” McClair and Solomon highlight a number of recent Nova Scotia productions. Diggstown made history when Halifax director, Juanita Peters, became the first Black woman in Nova Scotia to direct an hour of primetime drama for a network series. Wildhood is a feature film by Two-Spirit L'nu filmmaker Bretten Hannam and was recently nominated for six Canadian Screen Awards. Washington Black, an adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s novel and Disney/Hulu production, is filming right now in locations across the province. What’s on the horizon for Screen Nova Scotia? In addition to their robust slate of programs and events, they recently launched their Diversity Mentorship Program — a paid mentorship opportunity for emerging professionals representing a diverse array of communities. “The opportunities at Screen Nova Scotia are always growing and expanding,” says McClair. Be sure to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter to keep informed!
