GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SASKATCHEWAN FILM CREWS

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $84,000 this fiscal year to help Saskatchewan people build careers in the film and television industry.

The money is earmarked for Crew Call, a program operated by the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association (SMPIA) that offers training, guidance and support to those interested in pursuing careers in Saskatchewan's burgeoning film industry.

"As the film industry in Saskatchewan continues to grow, it's important that we develop local talent and human resources so that as many Saskatchewan people as possible can participate in it," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Our province has many bright, energetic and resourceful people who could have wonderful careers in the film industry, and Crew Call can help them get their feet in the door and build careers in the industry once they are there."

Crew Call offers career advice to those interested in a career in film or television, creates training programs to help Saskatchewan people develop the skills and protocols to work on film and television sets and maintains a database of Saskatchewan production personnel to help employers find and hire crew in the province.

Until last year, the program was funded by a five-year agreement through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement.

"The recently completed film review has identified significant shortages of experienced Saskatchewan crew people within the provincial film industry," Beatty said. "SMPIA and SaskFILM will be developing a human-resource plan during the current fiscal year to respond to those capacity issues.

"This funding we're providing right now for Crew Call is intended to maintain existing programs until the new strategy can be implemented."

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For More Information, Contact:

Randy King Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-7519