Media Release Film Commission Partners with Lumby on Regional Marketing Projects For Immediate Release: August 13, 2004 The Okanagan Film Commission and Community Futures of Central Okanagan have partnered with the Village of Lumby to develop a project that will greatly contribute to the marketability of communities within the Okanagan as destinations for film projects. Assisted by funding from the Government of Canada Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Okanagan under the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative, the OFC is creating a Production Guide, a critical tool used by decision makers within the film industry when sourcing information on communities to consider for their projects. The Village of Lumby is one of many communities in BC that was negatively impacted by the US tariff issues facing the Softwood Industry. Helping to foster economic diversity in the region, the film industry would have far reaching economic impacts. "We are very excited to be working with the Okanagan Film Commission and Community Futures of Central Okanagan to help create a product to attract the film industry to our community," states Deb Leroux, Village of Lumby Councilor. The development of a Production Guide signifies the first project between the OFC and Lumby within a larger plan to develop the marketability of smaller communities to the film industry. The OFC plans on offering location scouting workshops to local area photographers. "Lumby has really shown some leadership through their partnership with us. Our next step is to make sure the area is well covered through photographs and that there are interested community partners awaiting our call for more information on locations producers might find interesting here," states Film Commissioner, Sara Shaak. "If future funding partners are secured, we hope to offer these workshops in other communities throughout the Okanagan. The film industry is one of few industries out there where the smaller communities can really be competitive. They won't come here to do urban scenes. We have to sell them on the natural beauty and quaintness found in these great small towns throughout the area." The OFC, the Village of Lumby, and Community Futures of Central Okanagan Western Diversification Canada will unveil the Production Guide and announce details on future community partnerships in the Okanagan Similkameen Valleys. You are invited to attend on Monday, August 16, 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Village of Lumby offices, 1775 Glencaird Street, Lumby. For more information: Sara Shaak, Film Commissioner Phone: (250) 717-0087 www.okanaganfilm.com back to archive