Sudbury?s burgeoning Music and Film in Motion (MFM) has received a giant financial boost from the province and city.
Sudbury MP Diane Marleau, on behalf of Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (FedNor) announced a $100,000 in funding to MFM for implementation of its operational plan and long-term goals geared towards developing music, film and video industries in northeastern Ontario.
?This project is intended to broaden the scope of these sectors in the province, as there are currently no regionally based organizations that support their business development beyond Toronto and Ottawa,? said Marleau. ?Not only will these industries benefit, but the ensuing spotlight on the region will have spinoffs through increased tourism.?
This funding is aimed at making MFM self-sustainable within the next three years.
MFM plans to identify artists, businesses, technicians and other personnel working in the film and music industries and include them in a database to be used in a resource guide, library, website and consultation network.
It will also create development opportunities for these people through workshops, mentoring and panel discussions, establish the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards, and promote the region?s locations, facilities and artists to producers and businesses outside the area and attract outside productions and create jobs for artists.
FedNor will assist with salaries and benefits, operating costs, marketing and networking, the awards, resource development and workshops.
?We are excited with the opportunity to develop the music and film industries to even greater levels of achievement and create benefits for the entire region,? said Mark Palumbo, president of MFM.
The City of Greater Sudbury has also announced $50,000 in funding to MFM to be primarily used to assist in marketing Greater Sudbury as a viable location for film, television and music production.
?Music and Film in Motion has established a solid track record of success and is well on its way to fulfilling its mandate to foster and promote the development of the film and music industries in Ontario,? said John Caruso, chair of the Greater Sudbury development committee board of directors.
