OTTAWA FILM OFFICE WELCOMES NEW FILM COMMISSIONER
For immediate release
March 28, 2022
Ottawa – The Ottawa Film Office (OFO), the local not-for-profit organization dedicated to growing Ottawa’s film and television industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos as the city’s new Film Commissioner, effective April 27, 2022. Ms. Pechels de Saint Sardos brings with her over 20 years’ experience in development, production, and distribution, working with companies such as Bejuba! Entertainment, TFO, CBC/Radio-Canada, Sony Music, and Classic Media/DreamWorks.
In her new role, Ms. Pechels de Saint Sardos will be responsible for positioning Ottawa as an attractive and film-friendly production centre to local, national, and international production companies. Building on the organization and industry’s momentum, she will support the development of the Soundstage Campus and Creative Hub, foster the growth of local talent and crew alongside post-secondary partners and private sector entities, and maintain and strengthen the presence of Ottawa at provincial and national industry, promotional and regulatory bodies.
“In Sandrine, we have a Film Commissioner who is excited and inspired by what Ottawa’s film, television, and animation industry has already accomplished, and where it is headed. She comes to us with an international background, having studied and worked in Paris, New York, Toronto, and Montréal, and has a vision that draws inspiration from all these places,” says Catherine Callary, Chair of the OFO’s Board of Directors. “Sandrine is bilingual, and brings a depth of contacts and energy to the role. I think I can speak for the whole Ottawa Film Office Board of Directors when I say that we are inspired by the path forward that she charts for the organization.”
Incoming Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos
“Ottawa has so much potential in our industry and that’s what inspired me to join the OFO and add to Ottawa’s successes. As a producer, you can find it all in Ottawa and it can only improve, especially with the development of the Soundstage Campus and Creative Hub,” says incoming Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos. “I can’t wait to work with our local producers, crew, and talents and help them shine even more. I also look forward to bringing international opportunities to position Ottawa as a bigger staple for the film and TV industry.”
Despite recent challenges due to the pandemic, Ottawa’s screen-based industries rebounded in 2021, with live-action production accounting for a record-setting $41 million in direct spending; together with animation, the sector contributes over $100 million to the local economy each year.
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About the Ottawa Film Office
The Ottawa Film Office is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help stimulate Ottawa’s economy by attracting film and television production to the region, fostering the growth and development of the local film and television industry, and promoting the region as a preferred industry destination. Its services include location support, production attraction and development, and industry and government liaison and advocacy.
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Media contact:
Stephanie Davy
Marketing & Communications Officer
Ottawa Film Office
[email protected]
