It was established in 1939 and directed by John Grierson (18981972), who developed the studio into a leading producer of documentaries, including the World War II propaganda films Canada Carries On and The World in Action. The studio also made high quality animated movies by Norman McLaren (191487) and others, and it later expanded to produce feature films, including The Luck of Ginger Coffey (1964), The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), and The Company of Strangers (1990).

The National Film Board of Canada (or simply National Film Board or NFB) (French: Office national du film du Canada, or ONF) is Canada's twelve time Academy Award winning public film producer and distributor. An agency of the Government of Canada, the NFB produces and distributes documentary, animation, alternative drama and digital media productions. In total, the NFB has produced over 13,000 productions which have won over 5,000 awards.[1] The NFB reports to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. It has English language and French language production branches.

The organization's purpose and mission have been re defined numerous times throughout its history. Currently, the NFB's mandate is defined by the former Minister of Canadian Heritage:

The overarching objective of the National Film Board is to produce and distribute audio visual works which provoke discussion and debate on subjects of interest to Canadian audiences and foreign markets; which explore the creative potential of the audio visual media; and which achieve recognition by Canadians and others for excellence, relevance and innovation. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage (2000)

The National Film Board has defined a list of primary and secondary goals to fulfill in order to meet its mandate, as well as a set wholesale jerseys of related activities that can be performed to meet those goals. Primary activities are:

create programming reflecting Canada's linguistic duality and multiculturalism in Canada

create programming of film and audiovisual works on subjects cheap nfl jerseys relevant to the general public or niche audiences

support innovative and experimental projects in new and interactive media

exploit the audiovisual heritage of the NFB

These are to be achieved through various programs, such as the Aboriginal Film Program, implementing a major bilingual website on the history of Canada, and incorporating Internet and interactive tools into film making.

broadcasting NFB films on national television networks and specialty services

developing and maintaining an e commerce system to sell products directly to Canadian and international customers

developing and diversifying markets for NFB cheap nfl jerseys products

The National Film Board's extensive library of short films, documentaries and animation has led to an enthusiastic fan base. Various festivals, film exhibits and university clubs host retrospectives and showings designed to promote the work of the NFB.[2]The National Film Board maintains its head office in Saint Laurent, a borough of Montreal, in the Norman McLaren electoral district, named in honour of the NFB animation pioneer.[3] The NFB HQ building is also named for McLaren, and is home to much of its production activity.

In addition to the English and French language studios in its Montreal HQ, there are centres throughout Canada. English language production occurs at centres in Toronto (Ontario Centre), Vancouver (Pacific Yukon Centre), Edmonton (North West Centre), Winnipeg (Prairie Centre), and Halifax (Atlantic Centre). As of October 2009, the Atlantic Centre also operates an office in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.[4] In June 2011, the NFB appointed a producer to work with film and digital media makers across Saskatchewan, to be based in Regina.[5]

Outside Quebec, French language productions are also made in Moncton (Studio Acadie).[6] The NFB also offers support programs for independent filmmakers: in English, via the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) and in French through its Aide du cinma indpendant Canada (ACIC) program.

The organization has a hierarchical structure headed by a Board of Trustees, which is chaired by the Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson. It is overseen by the Board of Trustees Secretariat and Legal Affairs.

Funding is derived primarily from government of wholesale nfl jerseys Canada transfer payments, and also from its own revenue streams. These revenues are from print sales, film production services, rentals, and royalties, and total up to $10 million yearly; the NFB lists this as Respendable Revenues in its financial statements. As a result of cuts imposed by 2012 Canadian federal budget, by 2015 the NFB's public funding will be reduced by $6.7 million, to $60.3 million.[7]In 1938, the Government of Canada invited John Grierson, a British documentary film maker, to study the state of the government's film production. Up to that date, the Canadian Government Motion Picture Bureau, established in 1918, had been the major Canadian film producer. The results of Grierson's report were included in the National Film Act of 1939, which led to the establishment of the NFB. In part, it was founded to create propaganda in support of the Second World War. In 1940, with Canada at war, the NFB launched its Canada Carries On series of morale boosting theatrical shorts.[8] The success of Canada Carries On led to the creation of The World in Action, which was more geared to international audiences.[9]

Early in its history, the NFB was a primarily English speaking institution. Based in Ottawa, 90% of cheap jerseys its staff was English and the few French Canadians in production worked with English crews. There was a French Unit which was responsible for versioning films into French but it was headed by an Anglophone. In 1964, a separate French production branch was finally established, with Bobet as one of its four initial executive producers.[10]

During the '40s and early '50s, the NFB employed 'travelling projectionists' who toured the country, bringing films and public discussions to rural communities.[12][13] A revision of the National Film Act in 1950 removed any direct government intervention into the operation and administration of the NFB.[14] In 1966, the French language Studio was created, led by Ren Jodoin.[15]

With the creation of the Canadian Film Development Corporation (now known as Telefilm Canada) in 1967, the mandate for the National Film Board was refined. The Canadian Film Development Corporation would become responsible for promoting the development of the film industry.[16] 1967 also saw the creation of Challenge for Change, a community media project that would develop the use of film and video as a tool for initiating social change.[17] The National Film Board produced several educational films in partnership with Parks Canada during the 1960s and 1970s, including Bill Schmalz's Bears and Man.[18]

Main article: Canada Vignettes

During the 1970s and early 1980s, the National Film Board produced a series of vignettes, some of which aired on CBC and other Canadian broadcasters during commercial breaks. The vignettes became popular because of their cultural depiction of Canada, and because they represented its changing state. Indeed, the vignette Faces was made to represent the increasing cultural and ethnic diversity of Canada. In 1996, the NFB absorbed a 32% cut to its operating budget, forcing it to lay off staff, close its film laboratory, sound stage (now privatized) as well as other departments.