IATSE Vice President Damian Petti has been appointed co-chair of the Alberta Film Advisory Council. Sharing the chairmanship with Petti, who is also President of IA Local 212, is Gary Mar, Alberta Legislative Assembly liaison to the film industry.

Said Petti, “The advice provided by the previous council was instrumental in creating guidelines for the Alberta Film Development Program, a fund that offsets the costs of production.” He added, “That demonstrates a real willingness to have us help shape the direction of our industry in the coming years as well.”

The Albert Film Advisory Council (AFAC) is charged with guiding the province’s $165-million film and television industry by helping to create a long-term strategy for sustainable growth. The Council is also responsible for advising the government on the priorities of Alberta’s film and television industry, supporting and assisting Alberta Film in the implementation of these priorities, and recommending performance measures for the overall operation of Alberta Film.

The council also provides industry knowledge regarding competition from domestic and international markets. The council was originally created under the former ministry of Alberta Economic Development in January 2004 and was called the Film Commission Advisory Council. The new name of the council more accurately reflects the consolidated operations of Alberta Film, encompassing the Alberta Film Commission and the Alberta Film Development Program.