CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR UP-AND-COMING FILM CREWS

Those interested in pursuing careers in Saskatchewan's booming film industry may find helpful career information and training from Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association's (SMPIA) career development program (formerly known as Crew Call). The province is providing $84,000 to this initiative, which gives participants the training, guidance and support needed to embark upon different careers in the film industry and provides a liaison and co-ordination between film workers and film producers.

"Saskatchewan's film industry is seeing unprecedented growth and this is good news for those interested in exploring career opportunities within it," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "This career development program is a great mechanism for film industry workers and for film producers. Workers are able to improve their skills and producers are able to secure a well-trained work force."

SMPIA's career development program offers advice to those interested in a career in film or television. It offers training programs to help 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.

"The recent film industry review showed there is a shortage of experienced crew people in the province to take full advantage of the many opportunities that exist," Hagel said. "This career development program is just one of several initiatives government has supported to respond to the film industry's significant growth."

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

David Hayter SMPIA Regina Phone: (306) 525-9899