Headline, Industry News

OMDC supports domestic film industry

Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) announced an investment of $2.5 million to assist in the production and development financing of 16 domestic feature films through support from the OMDC Film Fund.

Production financing was awarded to seven dramatic Ontario feature films and one documentary, and development financing was awarded to eight projects, including three documentaries in late stage development. The process is highly-competitive: 48 applications were received for the Fund which is adjudicated by an industry jury.

Ontario’s strong domestic film industry has shown steady growth over the past several years. Some of Ontario’s leading and up-and-coming directors who have features in the works for this round are: Deepa Mehta, Sarah Polley, Don Shebib, David Weaver and Aaron Woodley.

“Film is big business in Ontario, contributing almost a billion dollars to the economy annually and employing thousands of highly-skilled people. OMDC’s Film Fund has invested more than $17 million in production and development in 134 features in the past five years,” said Kevin Shea, OMDC Chair. “Many films – such as Steve Hoban’s Splice – have gone on to box office success. This year, we are proud to announce that seven Film Fund-supported features are screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, including the Opening Night Gala Score: A Hockey Musical.”