Paul Pope, a well-known producer and promoter of the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry for more than 40 years, has passed away.
Pope, who worked on hundreds of movies and shows, owned Pope Productions, the company behind productions like hudson and rex, adult movie star, rare birdsY life with derek Among many others.
According to a post on Pope’s Facebook page, he died peacefully Thursday morning surrounded by his family.
“Your kindness and dedication will be missed,” the post read.
He was an advocate for independent Canadian media and served as a founding member of the Newfoundland Filmmakers Cooperative, as well as a board member of the Canadian Association of Media Producers and Vice President of the Canadian Media Fund.
Pope is the recipient of numerous awards, including the ArtsNL Arts Achievement Award, the 2020 St. John’s Tourism Award, and an honorary doctorate from Memorial University.
“It is with deep sadness that the St. John’s City Council learned of the sudden passing of Paul Pope, a dynamic force in the Newfoundland film and television industry,” a statement from the city of St. John’s said on Thursday.
“Paul’s influence on the national entertainment community is immeasurable.”
When news of Pope’s death broke Thursday, leading members of the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry expressed their condolences and shared memories on social media.
Paul Pope’s Secret Nation was my first job as a movie extra. His Anchor Zone was my first leading role in a movie. Lots of people got their first job in film & Paul TV. Then his 2nd, 3rd and amp. even 100. Because of his work with CNAs, many more will now learn the trade. RIP Paul Pope.
a tireless defender
Pope was still advocating for the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry less than a week ago; on Friday, he spoke with CBC News about the importance of the new film and television campus at College of the North Atlantic for local productions.
“We need this kind of vocational training support to make sure we remain competitive in the domestic and international market,” he said.
Pope was unable to attend an event Wednesday to announce the campus, but those who spoke pointed to him as instrumental in its creation. Prime Minister Andrew Furey called Pope a “fixture” in the industry.
“You really are one of the main drivers of this new campus and you really spearheaded this,” he said. “Your successes speak for themselves, so this is a great moment for you, Paul, and we really want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
During the same event, John Vatcher, executive producer of Take the Shot Productions, said that Pope was his colleague and friend, as well as a “lovable disruptor” who worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of the film industry.
During the production of season 4 of hudson and rex Last fall, Pope reflected on how the film and television industry has changed in recent decades.
“I remember when we celebrated our first year with a half-million-dollar production. And then in the ’90s we hit a million,” he said.
He said more people in Newfoundland and Labrador are choosing to join the industry he has supported for so long.
“There’s a big boom in Canada and we’re part of the boom,” Pope said. “It’s a great place to film. People like places, they love being here. It takes a while to build an industry, and you know we’re not done yet.”
Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
Reference-www.cbc.ca