SUNDRE — A regional municipal partnership among Didsbury, Sundre and Mountain View County is working together to spearhead a new initiative to promote the film industry in the Mountain View region using technology.
The Town of Didsbury submitted on behalf of the partners a grant application that was subsequently approved by the federal government to the tune of almost $45,000, reads background information in council’s agenda package for the Feb. 28 meeting.
The initiative’s objectives include establishing a photo and video library, a database mapping out potential filming locations, as well as a list of resources, fees, and film guidelines that are comprehensively summarized under a single, regional website that will also feature a translation tool.
Provided the pieces all fall into place, Jon Allan, economic development officer, told council “we’re hoping this will eventually become a film and TV promotion office in the area.”
The grant, he elaborated, will help pay for the technology needed to bring the partnership to that level.
“We need to develop a database of locations, and we need to be able to actually develop a website,” he said, adding there is also other ancillary technology associated with getting the promotional campaign off the ground.
The report was exclusively a point of information for council, with no new financial support being sought for the time being, he said.
“There’s no extra monies being requested at this time,” he said, adding existing funding to the tune of about $5,000 that would be used for marketing anyway has been allocated.
“It’s also about awareness generation in our community if (the campaign) is successful,” he said, recalling when the Pipe Nation production crew came to Sundre to film a pilot episode that placed the community under a national spotlight.
Taking steps to ensure that kind of publicity continues being generated in this area will also help enhance Sundre’s status as a destination, he said, adding the economic multiplier effect associated with the film and TV industry is significant.
Coun. Chris Vardas said it’s good to see the collaborative approach among neighbouring municipalities in mutual support of one another.
Seeking further clarification, Mayor Richard Warnock asked if the partnership was equal, or whether the focus would revolve more around the Town of Didsbury.
“It is a real, true partnership,” said Allan, adding the Didsbury area is already quite active with film productions and that it made sense for that municipality to take the lead on the grant.
But the paperwork was prepared in coordination with Sundre and the county, he said, adding the idea is to ultimately establish a film office or commission with a yet-determined name.
“Right now, it’s these three communities, and we are working together as equals,” he said, adding Sundre stands to benefit even if a film production is happening in the county near the town, as the production crew would end up soliciting local services and amenities in Sundre.
The mayor said the development represents “another checkmark for Sundre, because the more we can collaborate, the better off we are.”
Council unanimously carried a motion accepting the report for information.
Speaking with enthusiasm about the initiative during council’s conversation prior to the motion passing, Coun. Jaime Marr had said she would without hesitation go a step further and happily stand behind a motion to write a letter of support if ever requested.
