Familiarization Tours Continue

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NWT Film Commission’s Familiarization Tour through the North wrapped up on the weekend.

The NWT Film Commission and their liaison, Peter Wetherell of Magus Entertainment, identified leaders in the film industry and invited them to experience first-hand some of the unique locations the territory has to offer guest producers.

Photo: A literal taste of the North.

There is a growing national and international appetite for the stories and characters that can be found in the North. The NWT’s beautiful, diverse and unique geography is second only to its rich northern and Indigenous culture and heritage. Together they represent the Territory’s foremost selling points for attracting guest producers and productions.

The Film Commission worked with ITI Regional Offices, the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, City of Yellowknife and NWT Tourism (NWTTT) to deliver on a travel and activity itinerary hitting Yellowknife, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk from March 25-30, 2019.

Photo: The crew visit Bullocks' Bistro.

It’s one of the key ways that NWT Film is pushing to get guest producers’ eyes on the NWT and its growing community of local talent.

The familiarization or FAM-tour included five decision-makers with decades of experience and big projects under their belts. Here’s a rundown on who’s on the trip this week.

  • Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, President, Storyboard Media
    Location: Los Angeles, CA
    Notable Project: the star-studded cast of The Devil Has a Name is set to debut this year and will feature names like Kate Bosworth, Edward James Olmos and Martin Sheen.
  • James Engle, Literary Manager, Echo Lake Entertainment
    Location: Los Angeles, CA
    Notable Project: The 2015 newsroom drama, Truth, features names like Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford and Dennis Quaid.
  • Nicholas Tabarrok, Owner, Darius Films
    Location: Los Angeles, CA
    Notable Project: The Padre, a 2018 story of a small-time con man feature Tim Roth and Nick Nolte being dragged into confrontation.
  • Ben Sliverman, President, Integral Artists
    Location: Vancouver, BC
    Integral Artists represents Canadian talent and includes a diverse range of name performers, celebrities, and artists across the entertainment industry.
  • Shayne Putzlocher, President/CEO, Trilight Entertainment
    Location: Calgary, AB
    Trilight Entertainment Inc. is a media production company with offices in Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON and produce both family film genre and internationally recognizable content.

Photo: The crew take a tour of the hanger at Buffalo Airways. 

Members of the NWTPMA co-hosted the tour - assisting with activities in the communities and providing the guests a true reflection of what the NWT is like, and why it’s special.  

Increased activity in the film industry will further develop the skills and competencies of NWT film producers and generate benefits in other sectors of the economy. Exposing the NWT, its residents, adventures and stories, through film and television will increase interest from those looking to visit (and possibly move to) the NWT.