Bringing Nova Scotia to an International Stage

Local producer Chaz Thorne is doing his part to highlight Nova Scotia to an international audience after being selected to participate in two international programs -- the éQuinoxe Germany Screenwriters Workshop and Trans Atlantic Partners (TAP).

"Chaz's participation in these programs allow him to showcase Nova Scotia to international audiences," said Ann MacKenzie, president and CEO of Film Nova Scotia. "We are proud of the talent here in Nova Scotia and constantly try to provide opportunities for local filmmakers to participate in these programs."

Through Film Nova Scotia, Mr. Thorne and his project The Barrens will participate with nine other writers from around the world in the éQuinoxe Germany Screenwriters Workshop. Participants will receive one-on-one training sessions with internationally known and experienced writers, directors and producers to share their knowledge and experiences. Mr. Thorne will be the only North American writer participating in the program.

TAP is a three-module film training program for producers seeking co-production and co-venture professional development. Twenty-four producers selected from Canada, Europe and the United States receive training about co-production and given an opportunity to learn from, and network with, key professionals and industry players.

Each module of TAP, has a different industry landscape. For Europe, the Erich Pommer Institute in Berlin, the U.S. is the IFP Independent Filmmaker Project in New York and Canada's is Strategic Partners in Halifax.

Strategic Partners is one of the world's pre-eminent co-production markets, focusing on feature film, TV fiction, and multiplatform projects. Each year, the program brings together 200 international delegates and influential industry members to discover and develop compelling projects and foster investments. This year, Strategic Partners runs from Thursday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 18.

Film Nova Scotia is a sponsor of the éQuinoxe Germany Screenwriters Workshop and Strategic Partners.

Mr. Thorne, who also writes, directs and acts, has completed three feature films, Whirligig, Just Buried, and Poor Boy's Game. He said participating in professional development opportunities and taking projects to international markets is vital.

"It is becoming increasingly necessary for Canadian producers to look abroad for like-minded collaborators to allow our projects to compete on an international scale," said Mr. Thorne. "I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in these programs. They provide me with an amazing opportunity to learn from, and network with, international partners and recognized experts."

Film Nova Scotia is a provincial Crown corporation reporting to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to support the province's audiovisual industry. Nova Scotia is among the largest production centres in Canada.