Brendan Hanley

MP Hanley announces an investment supporting the Yukon’s screen-based media industry

July 17, 2024

I'm pleased to share CanNor’s investment of over $645,000, and this significant support to the growth of the Yukon’s screen media industry. This funding will bolster the efforts of Screen Production Yukon Association (SPYA) and Shot in the Dark Productions, enhancing their capacity and contributions to our vibrant cultural and economic landscape. Our screen media industry—encompassing film, television, and online media—not only provides skilled employment opportunities but also drives economic growth, enriches our cultural heritage, and elevates Yukon’s visibility globally. These businesses and organizations play a crucial role in showcasing our stories, cultures, and landscapes on a national and international stage. Today, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, I am thrilled to announce these investments. More than $620,000 will support SPYA in advancing their strategic priorities outlined in the Yukon Screen-based Production Sector Roadmap 2022-2027. This includes industry-specific training, launching a northern screen industry conference, and establishing a new studio space. Additionally, Shot in the Dark Productions will receive $25,000 to provide professional puppetry training for Northerners working on their new children’s television series, Northern Tails, which highlights the interactions between boreal forest wildlife, northern communities, and the broader world. Quick Facts: - This funding comes through CanNor’s Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program, which supports economic infrastructure, sector development, and capacity building in Northern communities. - SPYA, a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in supporting, developing, and celebrating Yukon’s screen media industry. - SPYA receives support from various Government of Yukon funding programs, including the Media Development Training Fund and Economic Development Fund. - Shot in the Dark Productions, based in Whitehorse, is currently producing Northern Tails, a children’s wildlife educational series highlighting interactions in the Boreal forest. - These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to nurturing a thriving screen media industry in Yukon. For more information on these projects and opportunities in our vibrant sector, please visit Yukon.ca or contact CanNor.