Indie film alliance receives U.S. film export development grant

In a move to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. film exports, the International Trade Administration (ITA) has awarded the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) $248,000, under its Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP). IFTA President and CEO Jean Prewitt made the announcement today.

The multi-year award creates a partnership between IFTA and ITA through which the first American Pavilions will be established at two major film and television markets. These pavilions will provide exhibit space and marketing and technical support to US companies putting them on equal footing with other national pavilions. The first of those markets will be Hong Kong FILMART 2011.

IFTA projects the Pavilions will generate $112 million in export revenues over three years for small and medium-sized companies, creating 1,120 direct and 2,464 indirect American jobs.

The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) awards are designed to support well-defined business plans aimed at increasing exports and US competitiveness within certain industries. The awards establish partnerships between ITA and nonprofit industry groups to help strengthen global competitiveness and create jobs through exports.

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television programming industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to more than 150 member companies from 23 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies and financial institutions engaged in film finance.