The government of British Columbia is providing an additional $1 million to Creative BC bringing the total new contribution to the society to $2 million and enhancing its ability to focus on priorities areas.

Earlier this year, government announced the creation of Creative BC as an independent, non-profit society combining services previously available through separate agencies. The society is dedicated to working with the creative industry in the province to develop and implement a broad strategy that capitalizes on the sector's strengths and identifies new opportunities for the future.

Creative BC will work with the province's creative sector to meets its development needs and will use these funds to address priorities including:

• Increasing support for the development of B.C. originated film and television content.
• Extending digital and market access programs to its expanded client base in publishing, music and interactive content development.
• Providing continuing assistance to the province's regional film commissions.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -

"I am very excited to provide Creative BC with additional support aimed at enhancing their ability to bring added focus to this important sector of the economy. In particular, I look forward to their efforts to help expand our domestic product development opportunities. What better way to sell British Columbia than by showcasing our home-grown talents and abilities that produce world-class products."

Creative BC chair, Michael Francis -

"I would like to thank the provincial government and Minister Bennett for this additional contribution. We believe that Creative BC represents a remarkable opportunity to build the creative sector in British Columbia. We look forward to this challenge and to contributing to the realization of our creative sector's considerable potential."

Chair, BC Producers' Branch of the Canadian Media Production Association, Brian Hamilton -

"Increasingly, B.C. creative content competes with the best of the international marketplace. This much needed additional support for Creative BC will enhance the ability of BC companies to build global audiences."

Media Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (Cell)