Implementation of ON Entertainment Animation Studio

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 15, 2016) - Dominique Anglade, Minister of the Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal, announced that ON Animation Studio, Montréal, has been granted nearly $5M in total financial assistance to support the implementation of a North American studio in the metropolis for the production of animated films of international scope.

The project which represents $12.2M in capital investment will create 300 animation jobs in Montréal over the next three years.

The government funding granted to ON Animation Studio, Montréal, includes a $2.44M loan from the Government of Quebec through Investissement Québec and a $2.44M repayable contribution from the Government of Canada through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

"The arrival of a new player of international caliber, such as ON Entertainment, shows world-wide recognition of Montréal's expertise and will help Canada increase its global influence. The Government of Canada is determined to support enterprises like ON Entertainment, which play a critical role in growing the economy and creating jobs to improve economic opportunities and prosperity for Canadians," stated Minister Bains.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support creative and cultural industries. Enterprises such as ON Entertainment are a good example of how culture, technology and innovation come together to provide opportunities for growth and economic prosperity," explained Minister Joly.

"By expanding dynamic, visionary enterprises such as ON Animation Studio, Montréal, Quebec can strengthen its animation expertise and enhance the metropolis's reputation for excellence as an international technology showcase. We are therefore proud to support this major initiative, which will create 300 skilled jobs in Quebec," asserted Minister Anglade.

The Montréal area has become a magnet for the arts, film and digital media. The presence of ON Animation Studio, Montréal, will help Quebec gain recognition as the fourth largest centre for visual effects and animation and increase the synergy between the industry's stakeholders. We want to harness cooperation among businesses and stakeholders to provide a diversified complementary offering in this booming industry," stated Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.

With the opening of this animation studio, we are strengthening Montréal's position as a global hub for animation and supporting the local digital production ecosystem. The investment also confirms that the metropolis is a smart city and a key focal point for the arts and technology," affirmed Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal.

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