THE GEMINI AWARDS ARE COMING TO REGINA THIS FALL

The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television announced today that Regina will be the host city of the 2007 Gemini Awards.

"The timing is perfect to hold the Gemini Awards in Regina this year," Academy chair Paul Gratton said. "Saskatchewan's television industry is firing on all cylinders and continues to attract major productions. You couldn't ask for a better backdrop for an event that celebrates the best and brightest of Canada's television industry."

"Saskatchewan is known throughout the production industry as a great place for film and television," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Our competitive tax credit, our abundance of natural beauty and our state-of-the-art production facilities have brought us centre stage. It is our pleasure to welcome the nation in 2007."

"Regina has solidified its reputation as a leader in hosting first-class events such as two record-breaking Rolling Stones concerts, the Jeux du Canada Summer Games, and the highly successful Tim Horton's Brier," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "Reginans will roll out the red carpet for the 2007 Gemini Awards and once again ‘wow' visitors."

"We're thrilled to be bringing back the Geminis to the CBC, and to hold it in Regina where the top 2 shows in Canada are produced, is fabulous," CBC's Executive Director of Network Programming Kirstine Layfield said. "When Canadians tune in to the Geminis this fall on CBC they will be treated to an event unlike any year before."

"The Gemini Awards will attract industry members and celebrities from across the country," Regina Hotel Association CEO JP Ellson said. "The economic benefits and industry exposure will open doors for the City of Regina and the production industry in the province."

For 21 years the Academy has celebrated excellence in television with the annual Gemini Awards. This year marks the second occasion that the awards show is being hosted outside of Toronto.

The Gemini Awards will be held on October 28, 2007, at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.

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For more information, contact:

Aidan Morgan
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: amorgan@cyr.gov.sk.ca

J.P. Ellson
Regina Hotel Association
Regina
Phone: 306-546-4272
Email: jpe.rha@sasktel.net

Mark Rathwell
Office of the Mayor
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7309
Email: mrathwell@regina.ca