When L.M. Montgomery first wrote the Emily series of books, her imagination and creative genius could not possibly have envisioned its future success. Season one of the television series Emily of New Moon™ has already aired on CBC and the shooting of season two was completed in December 1997. Beginning in July, Canada's smallest province once again becomes the film location of choice, as the talented Canadian actors and actresses of Emily of New Moon™ return for another season.
"It is an honour to welcome back the producers and crew of the Emily of New Moon™ television series," said Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. The Emily of New Moon™ series on CBC should entice visitors to our beautiful Island to take advantage of the opportunity to observe filming locations."
In its television debut, Emily of New Moon™ captured the attention of its Canadian audience with an intriguing storyline, a budding young Island actress (Martha MacIsaac) in the lead role and beautiful Island scenery. The next television season promises more of the same enjoyable, high quality television viewing. Over 1.4 million people watched the first episode and following episodes attracted similar audiences.
"There is an opportunity for growth in the film industry on Prince Edward Island," said Minister MacAleer. "The Island economy certainly benefits from being the host film location. By building on previous successes in the film industry, we can increase the amount of revenue generated and create much-needed employment for Islanders."
The production employs crew from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Islanders employed include crew, talent, technicians and limited post-production services. The series is co-produced by CINAR Films and Salter Street Films in association with WIC Entertainment Ltd. and with the participation of Telefilm Canada.
The Province of Prince Edward Island, through Enterprise PEI, is making a recoupable $500,000 equity investment in the third season of Emily of New Moon™. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) will contribute $100,000 toward 10 training positions with the production. LMDA is a cooperative partnership between the Government of Prince Edward Island and Human Resources Development Canada. Under the agreement, the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island work together to design and tailor labour market employment programs to meet the specific needs of communities, employers and the unemployed on the Island, and to complement provincial programming in its economic priority sectors.