Content of the article
A white blanket of snow covering the streets and rooftops, colorful lights twinkling in the early darkness, muffled melodies of merry seasonal music – the perfect backdrop for a holiday movie made for television. Or maybe a moonless night on the river as a boat glides silently through the darkness to land on one of the islands, bringing with it a heavy and mysterious burden – a mystery about to unfold… The Gananoque Arts Network (GAN) sees this and many more. other possibilities for filmmakers in the region and welcomed its first guests to take a look at the possibilities.
Advertising
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
Content of the article
“We hosted a private screening of GAN in partnership with the wonderful 1,000 Island Playhouse featuring the work of a local filmmaker shot primarily at Gananoque in Beaurivage, Admiralty Islands, with secondary photography in Kingston and New York, ”said Jeannie Catchpole, founder of the GAN Film Committee. “The screening attracted a number of Toronto heavyweights, including casting director Ron Leach – a former head of the Toronto Casting Agent Guild, as well as a writer and producer who came to Gananoque specifically for the event. Ron, who is also a seasoned producer of Hallmark Productions, stayed at the Woodview Inn in all its Christmas glory and attended an impromptu after-party at artist studio Behal Catchpole. Mr Leach praised his stay here – and the city as a possible film destination in the future. “
Alex Jansen of the Kingston Film Office was also present at this special screening.
The GAN Film Committee has recognized the positive changes in Gananoque, particularly in the aesthetic field, and believes the region can attract a good chunk of the $ 5 billion brought in by the Ontario film industry annually. Recently, they convinced the City to join them as supporters of the South Eastern Ontario Production Accelerator Fund (SEOPAF).
“City Council voted unanimously on December 7 to authorize Mayor Lojko to send a letter of support to the office of the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economic Development, Creative ‘Jobs and Commerce, as well as to the MPP’s office as requested by SEOPAF, ”Catchpole said. “This is a big piece of the puzzle as SEOPAF’s proposal heads into the provincial budget this spring.
Advertising
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
Content of the article
“Since then, Mayor Lojko has been in contact with Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture, regarding support for the arts in Gananoque to which they have been very receptive. .
“It is heartwarming to know that ministers recognize the importance of the growth of the arts to the economy of this small tourist town,” said Councilor Dennis O’Connor, President of GAN. “We are very happy that they are supporting the GAN. “
Despite being a young organization, GAN currently has over 50 members and its size is growing rapidly. They are grateful for all the support they have received to date and hope to see it continue, encouraging everyone involved in the arts as well as all board members to join the group.
“It was an amazing industry night for our small town,” said Councilor O’Connor. “Our goal is to make our city a cultural hub for Southeastern Ontario. The city is already fortunate to have the Springer Theater and Fire Hall, two world-class museums and amazing artists representing all the arts, from dance to musicians, sculptors, potters, painters, writers and more. When you support the arts, you support the region.
