CMF renew codevelopment incentives

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has renewed a pair of codevelopment incentives. The CMF and South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have renewed their TV codevelopment pact for another three years. First announced in 2017 at the Toronto International Film Festival, the incentive offers up to $120,000 for the codevelopment of audiovisual projects. The total maximum contribution for each project is $40,000. Eligible programs include dramas, documentaries and children or youth genres. The CMF has also renewed for two years its digital media codevelopment and coproduction incentive with Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, which handles film funding in the German states of Berlin and Brandenburg. The total amount of funding available through the Canada-Germany Digital Media Incentive has been increased to approximately $450,000, with each funding organization contributing half of the funds. The total maximum contribution for each project funded through the incentive is $300,000.

Patrick Rozon upped to VP for French-Language content

Zoofest’s general manager Patrick Rozon has been named VP of French-Language content for the Just For Laughs Group (Juste pour Rire). Effective immediately, Rozon will oversee the development of the Group’s French-language TV, digital and live tour activities, in addition to continuing to run Montreal’s comedy festival, Zoofest. He will also oversee all aspects of Juste pour rire, expansions of the festival and live Francophone tours. Rozon is a cousin of JFL  founder Gilbert Rozon, who stepped down last October following allegations of sexual misconduct. In March, an investor group headed by comedian Howie Mandel and L.A.-based talent agency ICM Partners acquired the Just For Laughs Group.

New faces join the Manitoba Film & Music Board

Manitoba’s Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox appointed a new Manitoba Film & Music Board on July 20. The new additions include Daniel Donahue, Rod Bruinooge, Joy Loewen and Rachel Margolis. Donahue will chair the board while, Bruinooge has been named vice-chair. Kevin Donnelly and Cameron Clark are also returning to the board. As a result of her appointment, Margolis, who served on the On Screen Manitoba board for four years, is stepping down from that position.

Bell Fibe TV Channel 1 picks up Songs From The Hammer

Bell’s Fibe TV Channel 1 has picked up Songs From The Hammer, a musical performance and interview show filmed Hamilton, ON. The 14-episode series produced and hosted by Nathan Fleet, the organizer of the Hamilton Film Festival, features interviews with diverse artists based in the city. Songs From The Hammer is now available to stream on Bell’s Fibe TV Channel 1 Network.