infusion to expand effort

A landmark study on the film and television industry, launched last August by a consortium of industry, government and bankers, is up for a boost in funds – from $175,000 to as much as $250,000 or $300,000. Confirmation of the increase looks good but is still pending, says Robert Morrice, Royal Bank of Canada senior manager entertainment software.

The cash injection incorporates an expansion of the study to include the areas of multimedia and delivery systems in addition to the existing examination of the business of film and television, its needs and future trends.

Spearheaded by the Royal Bank, Cinar Films, ytv, Cineplex Odeon, Famous Players and Industry Canada among others, the report was created in order to produce a comprehensive and reliable document which could offset problems created by the historical lack of up-to-date data on the Canadian industry.

Armed with facts and figures, members of the industry would arguably be better prepared to attract investors and rationalize government subsidies.

Although originally set for an early spring release, plans are now to release the study’s findings in the fall. PC