The captivating landscapes and distinctive charm of Newfoundland and Labrador have not only attracted tourists but have also set the stage for a remarkable growth story in the local film industry. The province's cinematic landscape has been steadily growing for decades but recently it has accelerated, propelling it into the spotlight as an emerging hub for filmmakers. With a surge in career opportunities for local talents, an influx of productions, and encouraging revenue figures, the journey of Newfoundland and Labrador's film industry is a testament to creativity, entrepreneurship, and boundless potential.
A Flourishing Industry
The last five years have yielded remarkable results in terms of job creation and career opportunities within Newfoundland and Labrador's film industry. With a growing number of productions being shot within the province including major motion pictures like Peter Pan and Wendy and Aquaman, a multitude of roles have emerged for local talents.
In a joint news release by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the local film industry boasts approximately 1,400 jobs spanning various segments of filmmaking, including direction, cinematography, costume design, and set construction. These job opportunities have not only bolstered the local economy but has also provided an outlet for homegrown talents to shine in ways previously believed to only be available in larger metropolitan centres like Toronto, Montreal or Los Angeles.
A Boon for the Local Economy
The growth of the film industry has not only translated into job creation but has also injected a substantial amount of revenue into the local economy. In 2021-22 alone, the local film industry generated over $85 million in economic activity, a figure that underscores its significance as an economic driver. The infusion of funds, through production expenditures and tourism stimulated by film-related attractions, has a continuous contribution to the overall prosperity of the province.
Furthermore, it is clear that the provincial government sees the real potential the film industry has for our province. In 2022, over $200 million had been allocated in the provincial budget to accommodate facility and skill development. As John Vatcher, Executive Producer of Take the Shot Productions put it, “You can have a brilliant idea, you can have a spectacular location, you can even have the money, but until you have the labour to pull it off, you don’t have anything.”
Looking Ahead
With these rising trends and continued investment from the provincial and federal government, the projections for Newfoundland and Labrador's film industry over the next decade are indeed promising. As the province solidifies its reputation as a prime filming destination, according to the 2022 NL Occupation Projections Overview, it is estimated that the industry will create an additional 1,300 job opportunities by the end of the decade. These will span a wide range of roles, including directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, and even specialized roles in visual effects and post-production.
Youth Filmmaking Programs
NIFCO, CNA, PictureNL, and various levels and departments of government are all guiding the front lines of this economic growth by developing a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to take the NL film industry into a prosperous future. The only piece missing is early exposure to the craft of content creation.
That’s where Brain Food Studios comes in. With a student-centered project-based curriculum designed specifically for kids ages 10-16, Owner/Operator, Matt Murphy aims to tap into kids’ innate creativity to start developing their skills and enthusiasm for a future in the film industry.
“It is a real viable future for the kids of this province and there are many points of entry that may not be immediately obvious,” Murphy says. With the pervasiveness of video-based social media outlets like YouTube and TikTok, youth are eager to create video content, but quickly realize that there is more to it than just turning on your camera. Murphy believes that a little guidance can empower our province’s youth to create some amazing content and be ready to step into film-based careers in the future.
If you know a kid between the ages of 10 and 16 who dreams of becoming a filmmaker, you can learn all about and register for Brain Food Studios’ programs on their website: www.brainfoodstudios.ca.
Comentários