Telefilm Canada announces more than $14 million in new money for Canadian feature film through its Talent Fund

Bell Media and Corus Entertainment among the contributors

Montreal, August 21, 2014—Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that a total of more than $14 million in private contributions has been raised by its Talent Fund in support of the Canadian feature film industry. The announcement was made on the occasion of the Fund’s Advisory Committee meeting held today in Toronto.

Through its joining with Astral, Bell Media, in accordance with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Tangible Benefits Policy, announced its intention to direct $8 million to the Talent Fund over the next seven years. With Corus Entertainment’s acquisition of Historia, Séries+ and TELETOON, Corus has also announced a commitment of $5.7 million to the Talent Fund over the next seven years. In addition, the Fund has received private donations from across the country from individuals and corporations in support of Canadian talent.

“The many success stories of Canada’s movie industry enhance our international image, create a wide variety of jobs and contribute to the financial success of our country,” said Talent Fund Advisory Committee Chair Hartley T. Richardson. “The Fund will help grow our film industry by allowing filmmakers to develop more content and to tell more great stories. Our country has many promising young and renowned creators who are behind these successes… this is a great opportunity for all Canadians to support Canadian talent.”

Carolle Brabant, Telefilm’s Executive Director, added: “The industry is focused on diversifying its funding sources and on doing more to promote its talent. We would like to thank Bell Media and Corus Entertainment for contributing to the success of the audiovisual industry in Canada and to its competitiveness in international markets. We are also grateful to our generous donors from coast to coast whose commitment emphasizes the value they hold for Canadian films.”

Kevin Crull, President of Bell Media, also added: “This partnership speaks to Bell Media’s ongoing commitment to promoting our vibrant Canadian film industry by helping our talent and stories to shine, both at home and abroad.”

John Cassaday, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corus Entertainment Inc., further added: “Corus is committed to creating compelling content and Canadian stories that resonate with audiences at home and internationally. We are proud to support Telefilm’s Talent Fund and contribute to the growth and development of world class films and programming, while fostering a sustainable and successful entertainment industry in this country.”

About the Talent Fund
The Talent Fund was officially recognized by the CRTC as a Certified Independent Production Fund, as well as has been endorsed by The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s most influential business association.

About the Talent Fund Advisory Committee
The role of the Advisory Committee is to raise the visibility of the Fund, to promote filmmaking and filmmakers in Canada, as well as to inspire corporations to believe in the mission of the Fund and to encourage investment in the audiovisual industry in Canada.

The pan-Canadian Advisory Committee for the Talent Fund is comprised of eight well-known business and community leaders. Chaired by Hartley T. Richardson, C.M., O.M., LL.D., President & CEO, James Richardson & Sons, Limited (Manitoba), the Committee includes Mark Dobbin, Founder & President, Killick Capital Inc. (Newfoundland and Labrador); David Aisenstat, CEO, Keg Restaurants Ltd. (British Columbia); Margaret Anne Fountain, Philanthropist and Art Activist (Nova Scotia); John Bitove, CEO, Obelysk Inc. (Ontario); Dr. Anil Gupta; Medical Director of Clinical Cardiology, Trillium Health Centre (Ontario); Micheline Bouchard, Corporate Director (Quebec); and Carol R. Hill, Director of Communications for Harvard Developments Inc., A Hill Company (Saskatchewan).

Talent Fund donors
Telefilm would like to thank all the gracious donors who have to date made contributions to the Talent Fund:

Bell Media
Corus Entertainment Inc.
Entertainment One Films Canada
Kivuto Solutions Inc.
The Virmani Family Charitable Foundation
Allan and Patricia Markin
Larry and Carolyn Hursh
RGG Management Ltd.
Temple Street Productions
Rita Milenkovic

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through its various funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent here at home and around the world. Telefilm also administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

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For more information please contact:
Douglas Chow, Telefilm Canada
(514) 283-0838 ext. 2225 or 1-800-567-0890
douglas.chow@telefilm.ca