Local Filmmakers Selected for First Feature Project
Local producer Richard MacQueen and writer/director Michael Ray Fox are closer to creating their first feature film after being selected as the recipients of the First Feature Project.
The project, a collaboration between Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm Canada, funds a producer, director, writer team to make their first feature film. Mr. MacQueen and his team will receive $110,000 in production financing from the Canada Feature Film Fund and Film Nova Scotia Funding.
"Michael and I are honored to receive this award to produce the film Roaming," said Mr. MacQueen. "I believe this award is a great way for emerging writers and producers to bridge the often overwhelming gap into the feature film arena. I would really like to thank the staff at Film Nova Scotia and Telefilm for this opportunity."
The announcement was made Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Atlantic Film Festival Awards reception.
Roaming follows the story of William Borchert, a reclusive, partially autistic young man who hasn't left his house in four years. After finishing university through correspondence and deciding to move out, he runs into his old high school friend Olivia. The rekindling of their friendship helps William learn to deal with his condition, his past and a hopeful future.
Applications for the inaugural project were evaluated by a jury with representatives from Film Nova Scotia, Telefilm Canada and the Toronto International Film Festival.
"This project allows us to cultivate and encourage the talent in Nova Scotia," said Film Nova Scotia president and CEO Ann MacKenzie.
"Working together allows us to leverage our resources and respond to a need in Nova Scotia's film industry," said Telefilm Canada regional director Gord Whittaker.
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund's programs.
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.