The NWT Film Commission hosted a webinar June 10th for members of the NWT film industry interested in learning more about the GNWT’s new Producer Incentive Pilot Program.  The new program was introduced on June 1st, 2021. (You can view the full webinar here.)

New Film Strategy Launches for Next Five Years with Producer Incentive Pilot

Following her presentation, we sat down with NWT Film Commissioner Camilla MacEachern to ask her some questions about the new program.

What is the purpose of the Producers Incentive Pilot Program (PIPP)?

We want to see more commercial film production in the NWT.  The PIPP is intended to support the pre-development and development phases of NWT film projects that have the potential to become commercially viable productions.

The NWT Film and Media sector has said that they would like to see feature films being produced in the NWT by a skilled roster of resident professionals. This is a first step in that direction. Ultimately, we are interested in increasing the economic value of the NWT film and media sector.

What (in NWT Film’s) view, makes a project potentially commercially viable?

Good question!  There are many factors that one could consider – none of which are absolute. It might simply be that the subject matter is timely or relevant to a broad sector of the population.

For the purposes of securing PIPP funding, we’re looking for things like: a demonstrated interest from recognized and established funders or broadcasters; or the participation and involvement of an experienced crew who have achieved prior successes and are willing to add their credibility and experience to a project.  

Who can apply?

The program is open to any NWT residents or businesses engaged in commercial film and media production who can demonstrate that they have previously completed a professional project shown by a recognized broadcaster/distributor;  or a prior project which has received financing from a recognized media fund.

Where did the idea for this program come from; is this something that has been identified as needed?

We’ve just completed the process of introducing a new five-year strategy to guide our government’s investment in the NWT Film and Media sector.  In the engagements that informed our strategy development, one of the top priorities identified by our stakeholders was a Producers’ Incentive Program.  So we developed one!

It says that this is a pilot program – what does that mean?

It means that this is brand new for us.  It is a “first” for the NWT film and media industry.  As we roll it out, we will be monitoring and evaluating the program’s impacts and effectiveness with a view to making changes or improvements and settle on what a permanent program might look like.

When will you start accepting applications for the program – is there a deadline?

There is no deadline to apply; however, activities must take place within the fiscal year, April 1 2021 to March 31, 2022. We will evaluate applications on a first-come-first-served basis until budget is allocated.

How can folks apply?

For full program details and how to apply go to: NWTFilm.com or contact the NWT Film Commission at 1-844-NWT-FILM or nwtfilm@gov.nt.ca