Yellowknife (Nov 29/04) - After months of delay, the territorial government called for applications to its film funding programs.

Anyone who wants money through the Professional Development Program, Industry Development and Training Program and Marketing Assistance Program must apply by Dec. 23. The Labour Rebate Program deadline is Feb. 28.

The public request for proposals came Nov. 22, 10 days after the Ajjiit Nunavut Media Association sent an open letter to government and media demanding action on film funding. Ajjiit represents Isuma Productions, Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, Natsiq Productions, AtiiGo Media, drumsong communications and many independent producers and workers in the Nunavut film industry.

The government approved a film, television and new media development policy in November 2003, with more than $300,000 budgeted for film funding. There's also money for a commissioner's salary, but no one named to the job.

Members of Ajjiit met with David Simailak, minister of Economic Development and Transportation in Iqaluit last Wednesday. Ajjiit president John Houston said he was satisfied with the government's response.

"We received a strong answer from economic development that they want to move the industry forward," said Houston.

"Our role as Ajjiit is to be a watchdog to make sure things are moving along."

Houston said he expects a film commissioner to be appointed in early January. Houston was part of the selection committee that made its hiring recommendation back in September.

Film and television production is a $4 billion to $6 billion industry in Canada, said Houston.

"There's no good reason for Nunavut to be left out," he said.

Despite the delay, Houston was encouraged by the government's quick response to Ajjiit's reminder.

"Anybody who remembers a year or two ago when there was no film development policy knows that progress has definitely been shown," he said.

Film funding

The 2003 Government of Nunavut Film, Television and New Media Development Policy budgeted more than $400,000 for annual grants and loans programs.

* $50,000 for Development loans program

* $20,000 for Marketing Assistance program

* $45,000 for Professional Development program

* $72,000 for Industry Training and Development program

* $300,000 for Labour Rebate Program

The department of Economic Development and Transportation gave out $500,000 in one-time grants for film and television productions in January 2004.