Edmonton — November 22, 2007 – The CanWest Alberta Fund (CAF) today announced its inaugural round of contributions to productions by Alberta’s independent producers.

Established in September this year to support Alberta’s independent production community, the CAF will offer $10.5 million over seven years to finance the production of drama, documentaries, reality and lifestyle programming produced by Alberta producers.

The five successful productions represent outstanding programming in all genres both from world-recognized producers as well as relative newcomers to the industry. These productions are licensed by a range of Canadian broadcasters. An independent Selection Committee representing producers and broadcasters made the funding decisions.

Burn Up (Seven24 Films, Calgary) A Canada/UK co-production with Kudos Ltd., this mini-series is a highstakes political thriller set against the oil industry and desperate attempts of those trying to stop global warming. (Broadcaster: CanWest Global, BBC)

Caution: May Contain Nuts (Mosaic Entertainment, Edmonton) From the days of SCTV to the madness of the world’s second biggest Fringe Festival, Edmonton has a long history of fabulous sketch comedy. Now a team of the city’s finest comes together in a new ensemble series. (Broadcaster: APTN)

Family Restaurant (Anaid Productions, Edmonton) This popular series about running a restaurant by members of one family launches its third season with a twist – a new family! The flavour is Chinese, but the relationships between generations are just as engaging. (Broadcaster: Food Network Canada)

Inuit Invasion (Clearwater Media, Edmonton) Award-winning documentary maker Tom Radford joins with University of Alberta anthropologist Niobe Thompson to explore the intriguing tale of eradication of an Arctic First Nations people — by another First Nation challenged by climate change. (Broadcaster: CBC)

Ride Guide Snow (Ride Guide Productions, Calgary) This series takes viewers around the world chasing the very best secret rides on skis or boards. (Broadcaster: CanWest Global.)

The CAF is administered in Alberta as a Program of the Independent Production Fund, which manages various private Funds for television production. The fund was established by CanWest MediaWorks Inc. as a result of CRTC Decision 2007-168. The next deadline is 15 March.

View original press release (PDF)