FOR RELEASE     #07-254
November 23, 2007

WHITEHORSE – Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon has released the Film & Sound Commission’s Incentive Program biennial report. The report shows that $1,477,284 was awarded to film and sound projects during fiscal years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

“The film and sound recording industries are important sectors within the diverse Yukon economy,” Kenyon said. “These are growing industries and the funding provided through the Film & Sound Commission supports these industries as they continue to develop.”

The Yukon Filmmakers Fund was fully subscribed for two years in a row and as a result, the funding available to applicants was increased this spring. Applicants can now receive up to $8,000 to support their project. The Film Training Fund has also been revised to support applications from film focused non-government organizations interested in organizing film development workshops.

The Film & Sound Commission awarded $738,829 in 2004/2005 and $693,455 in 2005/2006. The funds are applicant driven, and the Commission is currently working with industry to maximize the number of successful Yukon applicants.

The commission also continues to actively promote Yukon as an ideal filmmaking location and awareness of Yukon as a location destination.

The Film & Sound Commission, a branch of the Department of Economic Development, works to support the continued growth and development of Yukon’s film and sound recording industries Information on the Film & Sound Commission funding programs is available at www.reelyukon.com.

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Below backgrounder: Recipient Summary – 2004/2005, 2005/2006

Backgrounder:

Recipient Summary – 2004/2005, 2005/2006

Yukon Film Location Incentive
Pinewood Films Inc. (Popcorn with Maple Syrup)
Engel Brothers Media (Split Second)
Fresh from the Yukon Inc. (Dogs in Concert)
Mitch Miyagawa (Selling Faro)
Millennium Pictures (Chevrolet Commercial)
Gearhead Entertainment (Lexus Commercial)
Third Eye Mind Ltd. (Ernie’s Earth – Room to Roam Part 1-3)
Man Its Cold Productions (The Big White)
BBC South (Broadcasting House) (Incredible Journeys: Caribou)
Darlow Smithson Productions (Survivor: Soldier in the Snow)
Fresh from the Yukon Inc. (One Clap)
Haeckle Hill Productions (Artifacts)
National Film Board of Canada (How People got Fire)
Whisper Productions Inc. (Whisper)
R.A. Stringer Cinematography (The Bishop who ate his boots)
Quixote Films Inc. (Landrover commercial)
Mad Films Inc. (AIM Trimark: Tire Commercial)
Unique Factuals (Survivors: The Lost Snowboarder)

Yukon Film Development Fund
Northern Town Films Inc.
Thing with Feathers Production Inc. (Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock)

Yukon Film Production Fund
Tagish Lake Films Inc. (Northern Town)
Sun Rock Productions (1-6) Yukon (Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock)
Northscape Productions Inc. (Climate Change North & South)

Yukon Film Training Initiative
Adam Green
Jessica Hall
Linda Talbot and Neil MacDonald
Dawson City Arts Society & Yukon Film Society

Yukon Filmmakers Fund
Haeckel Hill Productions (Documentary)
Andy Crowther (Roberts Float)
Carol Geddes (The Feast)
Andrew Sharpe (The Weasel who Came in From the Cold)
Treeline Productions (Documentary)
Mitch Miyagawa (Secret Life of Geriatrics)
Patricia Robertson (Ice Palace)
Michael Wood (Street Dream)
Marie Carr (Klondike Sabu)
Patti Flather (Kiss the Klondike Goodbye)
Elsa Entertainment Inc. (Boarderlands)
Troy Suzuki (Winter Stories)
Arthur Mercredi (Cheechako’s Run)
Andrew Whittaker (Frolf)
Marten Berkman (Documentary)
Michael Brooks (The Hip Hop Bears)
Jeremiah Percival (Eagle Touch)

Yukon Sound Recording Program
Danette Readman
Heather Loewen
Kate Weekes
Michael Brooks
Gordie Tentrees
Caribou Records
Ken Hermanson
Derek Holmes
Brian Foulds
Soir de Semaine
Seaweed Music
Grant Simpson
Kim Beggs
Kate Weekes
Barbara Chamberlin

Statistical Summary

2004/2005
Yukon Film Location Incentive $168,233.84
Development Fund $65,900.39
Production Fund $500,000.00
Yukon Film Training Initiative  $25,485.92
Yukon Filmmakers Fund $24,209.00
Total Film Incentive Funds Contributed 04/05 $783,829.15

2005/2006
Yukon Film Location Incentive $130,282.70
Development Fund $0.00
Production Fund $495,036.30
Yukon Film Training Initiative  $0.00
Yukon Filmmakers Fund $25,000.00
Yukon Sound Recording Program $43,136.25
Total Film Incentive Funds Contributed 05/06 $693,455.25