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NEWS RELEASE (CNS911) -->> ECONOMIC RENEWAL--FILM
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NAMES NEW CEO




ECONOMIC RENEWAL--FILM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NAMES NEW CEO
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The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC) has a new
chief executive officer.

Anne-Marie Varner, of Halifax, was named to the position by
Economic Renewal Minister Richie Mann.

In her new role, Ms. Varner is responsible for the government
agency's funding, marketing, promotion and training initiatives.
The NSFDC, a crown corporation, develops and promotes Nova
Scotia's thriving private sector film and video industry, and
administers programs designed to create employment and investment
in film and video production.

"I'm looking forward to building on the success of programs
developed by the NSFDC that have supported series like Theodore
Tugboat, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and the new drama series,
Black Harbour," said Ms. Varner. "As new markets for home-grown
production continue to emerge, our investment in the Nova Scotia
film and video community will become increasingly important."

The film industry is a dynamic, high-profile part of the Nova
Scotia economy. The corporation estimates the 1996-97 value of
Nova Scotia productions and co-productions at $43 million. This
does not include the substantial economic impact from funds spent
in Nova Scotia by Hollywood producers who regularly use Nova
Scotia as a film location.

Mr. Mann said the Nova Scotia film and video industry is an
example of growth and creativity. In 1993 production was valued
at $7 million. By 1995 the figure jumped to $17 million. This
year the industry has more than doubled its level of economic
activity.

Ms. Varner has extensive experience in the television industry.
From 1988 to 1996 she was director of communications for Atlantic
Television/Atlantic Satellite Network based in Halifax. Before
working in Nova Scotia, she was promotion manager for CKVU-TV
Vancouver, and promotion writer/producer at CFAC-TV, Calgary. She
has received numerous awards within the television industry and
has been an active volunteer in the Halifax Area arts and
community organizations.

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Contact: Rick Alexander  902-424-0927

trp                     Dec. 6, 1996 - 2:40 p.m.